Introduction
Here is your complete guide to growing chilli plants at home. This can be a rewarding experience for gardeners of all skill levels.
Whether you are a seasoned gardener or just starting out, learning how to grow chillies can be a fun and exciting way to add some spice to your life.
With the right knowledge and techniques, you can grow healthy and abundant chilli plants that will provide you with a bountiful harvest of delicious and flavourful chillies.
Choosing the right varieties of chilli plants is an important first step in growing chillies.
There are many different types of chillies available, each with its own unique flavour, heat level, and growing requirements.
Understanding the growing conditions that are best suited for each variety can help you choose the right chilli plants to grow.

Popular Varieties of Chillies:
Chilli peppers can have a range of flavours, from sweet and fruity to smoky and earthy. The flavour of a chilli pepper is determined by its variety, growing conditions, and ripeness.
- Jalapeno- mildly spicy with a grassy, slightly sweet flavour.
- Habanero- Very spicy with a fruity, citrusy flavour.
- Cayenne- Moderately spicy with a slightly bitter flavour.
- Chipotle: Smoky with a slightly sweet flavour.
- Scotch Bonnet
- Apache
Choosing the Right Varieties
When deciding on which chilli pepper plants to grow at home consider the heat level you’re looking for.

The heat of a chilli pepper is determined by the amount of capsaicin it contains, which is measured in Scoville Heat Units (SHU).
Think about how you intend to use your chillies, as some varieties are better suited for use in sauces or salsas, while others are ideal for drying and grinding into spices.
Understanding Chilli Flavours and Heat
Chilli peppers come in a variety of flavours and heat levels, making them a versatile ingredient in the kitchen.
Understanding the different flavours and heat levels can help you choose the right chilli pepper for your dish.
Taste
The taste of a chilli pepper is closely related to its flavour, but refers specifically to the sensations on the tongue.
Chilli peppers can be sweet, sour, bitter, salty, or umami (savoury).
The heat of chilli pepper can also affect the taste by numbing the tongue or enhancing other flavours.
Capsaicin
Capsaicin is the compound in chilli peppers that gives them their heat.
The amount of capsaicin in a chilli pepper determines its heat level, measured in Scoville units.
The Scoville scale ranges from 0 (no heat) to over 2 million (extremely hot). Some common chilli pepper heat levels include:
- Bell pepper: 0 Scoville units
- Poblano pepper: 1,000-2,000 Scoville units
- Jalapeño pepper: 2,500-8,000 Scoville units
- Habanero pepper: 100,000-350,000 Scoville units

It’s important to note that heat levels can vary within the same variety of chilli pepper, depending on factors such as growing conditions and ripeness.
When cooking with chilli peppers, it’s best to start with a small amount and add more gradually to achieve the desired level of heat.
If you’re planning to grow your chillies at home outdoors, you’ll need to consider your local climate. Some varieties are better suited to cooler climates, while others thrive in hot and humid conditions.
Understanding the Growing Conditions
To successfully grow chilli plants, it is essential to understand the growing conditions that they require.
Chilli plants thrive in warm and sunny conditions, so it is important to choose a location that provides plenty of sunlight and warmth.
Here are some factors to consider when choosing a growing location:
- Temperature: Chilli plants require warm temperatures to grow well. The ideal temperature range for chilli plants is between 20°C and 30°C. In cooler climates, chilli plants can be grown in a greenhouse or polytunnel to provide the necessary warmth.
- Sunlight: Chilli plants require plenty of sunlight to grow and produce fruit. Choose a location that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day. If growing indoors, place the plants on a sunny windowsill or under grow lights to provide the necessary light.
- Sheltered: While chilli plants require plenty of sunlight, they also need to be protected from strong winds. Choose a location that is sheltered from strong winds to prevent damage to the plants.
- Growing Conditions: Chilli plants require well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. They also require regular watering to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Use a good-quality potting mix or soil and fertilize regularly with a balanced fertilizer.
- Hot Weather: Chilli plants love hot weather, but extreme heat can cause the plants to wilt and dry out. Provide shade or move the plants to a cooler location during periods of extreme heat to prevent damage.
Preparing the Soil and Pots
Before starting to grow chilli plants, it is crucial to prepare the soil and pots. Proper preparation ensures that the plants have the necessary nutrients and environment to grow healthily and produce a good yield.
Choosing the Right Soil and Compost
Chilli plants thrive in well-draining soil that has a pH level of 6.0 to 6.8.
It is best to use a good quality multi-purpose compost that is free of peat. Vermiculite can also be added to the soil to improve drainage.
Selecting the Right Pots and Containers

Chilli plants need enough space to grow, so when you’re growing chillis at home make sure you choose the right size of pots and containers.
A 13cm (5in) pot is ideal for potting on seedlings, and a 22cm (9in) pot is perfect for the final planting stage.
Alternatively, three plants can be planted in a standard growing bag.
Preparing the Soil
Before planting, the soil should be well-prepared.
It is recommended to add well-rotted manure or compost to the soil to provide the necessary nutrients.
The soil should also be mulched regularly to keep the nutrition running through the chillies’ roots.
Ensuring Proper Drainage
Good drainage is essential for the healthy growth of chilli plants.
It is recommended to use pots with drainage holes to prevent waterlogging. The top layer of the soil should be a light but moisture-holding mulch to ensure that the plants receive enough water.
Potting On
When the seedlings reach 2.5cm (1in) tall, they should be moved into their own small pot of seed compost.
Once the roots begin to show through the drainage holes, they should be moved into larger pots.
By late May, each plant should be moved into its final pot or container.
Sowing and Germinating Chilli Seeds
Chilli seeds need to be sown and germinated properly to ensure healthy and productive plants. Here are some tips for sowing and germinating chilli seeds:
Sow chilli seeds indoors in February or March, about 6-8 weeks before the last frost date in your area.

This will give the seeds enough time to germinate and grow into healthy seedlings.
Fill a small pot with seed compost and firm it gently. Sow a few chilli seeds on top of the compost, making sure they are evenly spaced.
Most seeds will germinate, so only sow a few more than you need, in case of losses.
Cover the seeds with a fine layer of vermiculite and water carefully. Seeds will germinate quickly in a heated propagator at 21°C (70°F) or simply on a warm windowsill.
If using a heated propagator, follow the manufacturer’s instructions and keep the propagator in a bright but not sunny location.
Alternatively, place the pots in a plastic bag to create a mini greenhouse and place them on a sunny windowsill.
Once the seeds have germinated, remove the plastic bag or the lid of the propagator and move the pots to a bright and warm spot.
Make sure the seedlings have enough light, but avoid direct sunlight as it can scorch the leaves.
When the seedlings have grown their first true leaves, transplant them into individual pots filled with multi-purpose compost.
Make sure the pots have drainage holes and water the seedlings regularly.
Wait until all risk of frost has passed before moving the seedlings to their final growing positions outside, in a sunny spot.
For the hottest chillies, grow in a greenhouse.
Caring for Chilli Seedlings
Once your chilli seeds have germinated and started to grow, it’s important to take good care of them to ensure they develop into healthy plants.
Here are some tips for caring for your chilli seedlings:
Watering
Seedlings need to be kept moist but not waterlogged. Water them regularly, but be careful not to overwater them.
Overwatering can cause the roots to rot, which can kill the plant. To prevent this, make sure the soil is well-draining and allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings.
One way to check whether your chilli plants need watering is to stick a wooden bbq skewer into the soil and see how damp it comes out.
If the skewer comes out dry, it’s time to water your plants. If it comes out damp, wait a day or two before checking again.
Light and Temperature
Chilli seedlings need plenty of light to grow, so make sure they are in a bright, sunny spot.
If you are growing chilli plants at home, place them on a windowsill or in a conservatory where they will get plenty of natural light.
If you are growing them outdoors, make sure they are in a sunny spot.
Chilli seedlings also need to be kept warm, so make sure the temperature is between 18-24°C (65-75°F).
If the temperature drops below this, the seedlings may stop growing or even die.
Pinching Out
Pinching out the growing tip of your chilli seedlings will encourage them to bush out and produce more branches, which will result in a higher yield of chillies. Pinch out the tip when the plant is around 10cm (4in) tall.
Transplanting and Acclimatising
When your chilli seedlings are around 15cm (6in) tall, they can be transplanted into larger pots or planted out into the garden.
Before transplanting, make sure the soil is moist and the plant is well-watered.

If you are growing chilli plants at home and then transplanting your seedlings into the garden, make sure they are acclimatised to the outdoor conditions first.
This means gradually exposing them to the outdoor environment over a week or two, starting with just a few hours a day and increasing the time they spend outside.
This will help them adjust to the change in temperature and humidity and reduce the risk of transplant shock.
Growing Chilli Plants At Home
Growing chilli plants at home is easy, as they can be grown in pots or the ground.
They require heat, sun, and humidity to fruit well.
You need to start by choosing a sunny spot with well-draining soil.
Sow chilli seeds indoors in early spring, about 8-10 weeks before the last frost date.
Keep the soil moist and warm, and the seeds should germinate in 7-14 days.
Once the first true leaves appear, transplant the seedlings into individual pots.
Use a good-quality potting mix and keep the soil moist.
When the plants are about 15cm (6 inches) tall, pinch out the tip to encourage bushier growth.
When all risk of frost has passed, plant the chilli plants outside in a sunny spot.
If you are growing chillies in pots, choose a pot that is at least 30cm (12 inches) wide and deep.
Fill the pot with a good quality potting mix and plant the chilli plant in the centre.Chilli plants need support as they grow, so use stakes or cages to keep the plants upright.
Water the plants regularly, but do not overwater them.
Chilli plants do not like to be waterlogged, so make sure the soil is well-draining.
What is the Best Food for Chilli Plants?
Chilli plants also benefit from regular feeding.
Use a good quality fertilizer every two weeks during the growing season Nitrogen-rich fertilizers are good for leafy growth, while phosphorous-rich fertilizers good for fruiting.
Chilli plants require nutrient-rich soil to grow healthy and produce a good crop. One way to ensure that your plants get the nutrients they need is to use a tomato fertiliser.
Tomato fertilisers contain the right balance of nutrients that chilli plants need, including nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.
It is important to follow the instructions on the fertiliser package carefully and not to overfeed your plants.
Overfeeding can cause the leaves to turn yellow and can even kill your plants.
Dealing with Pests and Diseases
Chilli plants are susceptible to a range of pests and diseases that can affect their growth and yield.
When you are growing chilli plants at home you may face some common problems, such as aphids, whitefly, and red spider mites.
These pests can cause damage to the leaves and stems of the plant, leading to stunted growth and reduced yield.

One effective way to prevent pest infestations is to keep the plants healthy and well-nourished.
This can be achieved by providing them with enough water, sunlight, and nutrients.
Additionally, it is important to keep the growing area clean and free of debris, which can attract pests.
If pests do infest the plants, there are several ways to deal with them. One option is to use a spray or insecticide that is specifically designed to kill the type of pest that is present.
However, it is important to use these products carefully and according to the instructions, as they can be harmful to humans and other animals.
My preferred option is to use natural methods to control pests.
For example, ladybirds and lacewings are natural predators of aphids and can be introduced into the growing area to help control their population.
Additionally, neem oil and garlic spray are natural insecticides that can be effective against a range of pests.
In addition to pests, chilli plants can also be affected by diseases such as verticillium wilt and powdery mildew.
These diseases can cause yellowing of the leaves, stunted growth, and reduced yield.
To prevent the spread of disease, it is important to remove any infected plants or parts of plants as soon as possible.
Harvesting and Storing Chillies
Once your chilli plants have started producing fruit, it’s important to know when and how to harvest them.
Chillies can be harvested when they are still green, but they will be milder in flavour and heat.
For a hotter taste, wait until they have ripened to their full colour, whether that be red, yellow, or orange.
When harvesting, use a pair of sharp secateurs or scissors to cut the chillies from the plant, being careful not to damage the stem or any other fruit.
If you prefer to leave the chillies on the plant to ripen further, make sure to check on them regularly and remove any that start to show signs of rot or disease.
How to Dry Chillies

Once you have harvested your chillies, you can either use them fresh or dry them for later use.
To dry chillies, simply string them up in a warm, dry place, such as a sunny windowsill or a well-ventilated room.
Alternatively, you can use a dehydrator or oven to speed up the drying process.
How to Store Fresh Chillies
To store fresh chillies, place them in a paper or plastic bag and store them in the refrigerator.
They will keep for up to a week this way. For longer storage, you can freeze them whole or chopped.
Dried chillies can be stored in an airtight container for up to a year.
Remember to always wear gloves when handling chillies, especially if you are handling hot varieties.
As always, make sure to wash your hands thoroughly after handling chillies to avoid any irritation or accidental transfer of the capsaicin to your eyes or other sensitive areas.
Frequently Asked Questions

What are the different stages of chilli plant growth?
The different stages of chilli plant growth are seed germination, seedling growth, vegetative growth, flowering, and fruiting.
Seed germination takes around 7-14 days, seedling growth takes around 3-4 weeks, vegetative growth takes around 6-8 weeks, flowering takes around 3-4 weeks, and fruiting takes around 4-6 weeks.
What is the best fertilizer for growing chilli plants?
Chilli plants need a balanced fertilizer that is high in potassium and phosphorus.
A fertilizer with an NPK ratio of 5-10-10 is ideal for growing chilli plants.
It is also important to use a fertilizer that is specifically formulated for chilli plants.
I hope you find my guide to growing chilli peppers at home useful.
Happy gardening!
Suggested reading
How To Prepare Your Raised Beds for Spring
Affiliate disclosure: my article contains affiliate links. If you click on them and make a purchase, then I will receive a small commission. This will be at no extra cost to you, but will help to fund my expensive coffee habit.