How to Grow Green Chilli Plant? From Seed to Harvest

The first step in growing a green chilli plant is to choose a suitable variety of chilli. There are varieties of green chillies available in the market, and each variety has its own unique flavour, heat level, and growing requirements. Some popular varieties of green chillies include:

• Thai Green Chilli Plant: It is a small and extremely hot variety of green chilli.
• Serrano Green Chilli Plant: It is a medium-hot variety of green chilli that is commonly used in Mexican cuisine.
• Jalapeno Green Chilli Plant: It is a mild to medium-hot variety of green chilli that is commonly used in Tex-Mex dishes.
• Cayenne Green Chilli Plant: It is a hot variety of green chilli plant that is commonly used in Indian and Mexican cuisine.

Choose the variety of green chilli plants that suits your taste and the climatic conditions in your area.

The next step in growing green chillies is to select the right location for planting. Green chillies thrive in warm and sunny locations, so choose a spot in your backyard that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight every day. The soil should be well-draining and rich in organic matter. You can improve the quality of the soil by adding compost or well-rotted manure.

Before planting green chillies, you need to prepare the soil. Loosen the soil to a depth of at least 12 inches and remove any rocks, weeds, or debris from the area. Add a layer of compost or well-rotted manure to the soil to improve its quality. Mix the compost or manure thoroughly into the soil using a garden fork or hoe.

After preparing the soil, it’s time to plant the green chilli seeds. You can either start the seeds indoors or plant them directly in the soil outdoors. If you choose to start the seeds indoors, plant the seeds in small pots filled with seed-starting soil. Water the soil regularly and place the pots in a warm and sunny location. Once the seedlings have grown to a height of about six inches, transplant them outdoors.

If you choose to plant the seeds directly in the soil outdoors, sow the seeds about half an inch deep and one inch apart. Water the soil regularly to keep it moist but not waterlogged.

Green chillies need regular watering to grow healthy and strong. Water the plants deeply at least once a week and more frequently during hot and dry weather. Make sure that the soil is moist but not waterlogged, as excessive moisture can lead to root rot and other diseases.

Green chillies need regular fertilisation to grow healthy and produce a good crop. You can use organic or chemical fertilisers to feed the plants. Apply the fertiliser according to the instructions on the package, and make sure to water the plants immediately after fertilising them.

Green chillies are susceptible to various pests and diseases, such as aphids, whiteflies, spider mites, and fungal infections. To prevent these problems, keep the plants clean and healthy, and remove any dead or diseased leaves or branches. You can also use organic pest control methods, such as spraying the plants with neem oil or a mixture of water and soap.

Green chillies are ready for harvest when they reach full size and are still green in colour. You can harvest the chillies by gently twisting them off the plant or by using a pair of scissors. Make sure to wear gloves while harvesting the chillies, as they can cause a burning sensation on your skin.

After harvesting the green chillies, store them in a cool and dry place. You can store them in the refrigerator or freezer for later use. You can also dry the chillies by hanging them in a well-ventilated area or by using a dehydrator.

Here are some additional tips to help you grow healthy and productive green chilli plants:

• Start with fresh seeds: Use seeds that are less than two years old for the best results.
• Choose the right container: If you’re growing seeds indoors, use small pots that are at least two inches in diameter and have drainage holes.
• Use a heat mat: Green chilli seeds germinate best between 75°F and 85°F. Use a heat mat to keep the soil warm and promote germination.
• Thin seedlings: If you are planting seeds indoors, thin the seedlings to one per pot once they have grown to a height of about two inches.
• Provide good air circulation: Green chilli plants need good air circulation to prevent fungal infections. Make sure to space the plants at least 18 inches apart.
• Mulch around the plants: Mulching around the plants helps to conserve moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.
• Harvest regularly: Harvesting green chillies regularly promotes plant growth and encourages the development of new fruit.

Note: It is recommended to always wear a pair of gloves while planting a green chilli plant to prevent skin irritation and potential allergic reactions from contact with the plant’s oils.

In conclusion, growing a green chilli plant at home is a fun and rewarding experience. By following the above steps, you can grow your own supply of fresh and delicious green chillies in your backyard. Remember to choose the right variety of green chilli plants, select the right location, prepare the soil, water and fertilise the plants regularly, control pests and diseases, harvest the chillies at the right time, and store them properly. With a little bit of care and attention, you can enjoy a bountiful crop of green chillies that you can use in your favourite dishes.

Besides green chilli, you can grow many herb plants that we use in cooking, such as basil, coriander, mint, chives, rosemary, thyme, etc. If you want to know how, check our blog on how to grow herb plants indoors. Happy planting!