Chili can be grown in a garden or in a container. It is generally grown from seed, as plants grow quite true to form. Plants can take up to 3 weeks to germinate and require a consistent supply of moisture and nutrients during their first few weeks of growth.
Once established, some varieties are perennial and will produce fruit for several years. Others may produce for only one year before dying out. In these cases, new plants should be started each year from seed.
Seeds can be started indoor about eight weeks before the last spring frost date for your area. Sow seeds in small pots filled with moistened soil-less potting mix and cover lightly with about 1/4 inch of additional mix. Place pots where the temperature is between 25-30C (75-85 degrees F). The seeds should germinate within two to three weeks.
Once they’ve got two leaves (cotyledons) you can transplant them into larger containers until they’re sturdy enough to go into the garden.
When planting in the garden, choose a location that gets full sun and has well drained soil that is high in organic matter. Space plants 12 to 24 inches apart depending on the size of the variety you’re growing.
Happy growing!
