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Growing Your Chillies from Seed

Growing chillies from seed can be a rewarding experience, and it is best to start your seeds off indoors, if possible, from July to August. You can plant later, but keep in mind that plants will not fruit until late into the season. Begin by filling seed trays with a good-quality seed-raising soil, and then soak your seeds in water for up to 8 hours before patting them dry on a paper towel. Sow two seeds about 5mm deep into the soil and place your seed trays on a sunny windowsill during the day and in a warm airing cupboard during the night. Germination typically takes 7-10 days, although some superhot varieties can take up to 6 weeks. Ensure that the soil remains moist but not soaking wet.

Chilli Seeds NZ Chilli seedling starting to shoot

Transplanting your seedlings

Once your chilli seedlings have emerged and have a couple of leaves, it's time to transplant them. Gently move the seedlings from the seed trays into individual pots and relocate them to a sunny, warm location such as a greenhouse or windowsill. When your seedlings reach about 100-150mm in height, they can be moved to their final growing spots, either in the ground or in large pots ranging from 10-20 litres in size.

Chilli Seeds NZ Chilli seedlings starting to grow on windowsill

Growing your chilli pepper plants

Growing your chilli pepper plants involves a few key steps. First, pluck off the growing tips of the first flowering shoots to encourage more branching and create a bushier plant. Water your plants regularly, keeping the soil moist but not overwatered. If you are growing your plants in pots, avoid letting the soil dry out completely. One of the best fertilisers for growing chilli peppers is a fertiliser designed for tomato plants. With proper care, your chilli plants should produce fruit anywhere from 60-150 days after planting.