Growing chillies at home from seeds in pots can be a rewarding and flavorful experience. These spicy peppers, available in various shapes, sizes, and heat levels, are amazing additions to your home garden. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll take you through the process of growing or planting chillies (mirch) from seed to harvest. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a beginner, you’ll learn step by step process of growing chilli plants from dried seeds.
Chillies Growing Information
- Common Name: Chilies
- Scientific Name: Capsicum spp.
- Plant Height: 18 inches to 4 feet
- Seeds Sowing Depth: 1/4 inch (0.6 cm)
- Germination Days: 7-14 days
- Germination Temperature: 15-32°C
- Water Needs: Moderate
- Sunlight: 6-8 hours of direct sunlight
- Harvesting Days: 60-70 days after transplanting or 100-120 days after sowing the seeds
Famous Chilli In India
India is known for its diverse and flavorful chilli varieties. Some of the popular types of chilies grown in India include:
- Bhut Jolokia (Ghost Pepper): Bhut Jolokia is one of the world’s hottest chilies and is known for its extreme spiciness.
- Green Chili: Green Chili is commonly used in many Indian dishes for spiciness and flavor.
- Jwala Chili: Jwala Chili is Popular for its medium spiciness and green color, it is mostly used in Indian cooking.
- Jalapeno Chilli Pepper: Jalapeno Chili is mild to moderate spiciness, often used in Mexican and Tex-Mex cuisine.
- Naga Viper: Another extremely hot chili pepper, mainly used in pickles and curries.
- Kashmiri Chili: These chilies are mild in heat and are often used to impart a vibrant red color to dishes.
- Guntur Sannam: A hot chili variety, popularly used in Andhra Pradesh cuisine for spiciness and flavor.
- Banana Pepper: Banana peppers are mild and slightly sweet, and are often used in salads, pickles, and sandwiches.
(Read More: All Varieties Of Radish To Grow In Winter In India...)
When To Grow Chillies In India
All types of chilies thrive in warm climates. The best time to plant chilli seeds is in Summer (February-March), Monsoon (June-July), and post-monsoon/fall (September-October) when temperatures consistently reach 70°F (21°C) or higher.
How To Grow Chillies From Seeds in Pots
After knowing the information, famous types, and growing season for planting chillies in India, let us see the process of growing chillies step by step.
1) High-Quality Soil for Planting Chilli:
Choose well-draining, loamy soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH. Add organic matter to the soil, such as compost, to provide essential nutrients. Additionally, you can use a ready-to-use potting soil mix that you use for planting/growing chillies in pots at home so you do not need to add any further organic matter.
2) Best Grow Bags or Container Size:
To grow chillies in pots or grow bags, choose large containers with a minimum depth and width of 12 inches. Proper drainage is essential to prevent waterlogging. Some of the best sizes of grow bags or pots size for planting chillies in home gardens:
- 12 x 12 Inch (W*H)
- 15 x 12 Inch (W*H)
- 18 x 12 Inch (W*H)
- 24 x 12 Inch (W*H)
- 15 x 15 Inch (W*H)
- 18 x 15 Inch (W*H)
3) Temperature and Location:
Chillies require the proper amount of sunlight. Choose a sunny location with daily 6-8 hours of direct sunlight. Make sure the environment is frost-free. Also, chilli plants grow best in an air temperature of 21-35°C.
4) Sowing Chilli Seeds:
- Chilli pepper seeds are typically sown in a seedling tray and then transplanted after germinating. This is an important step in the growth process because it allows the plant to develop and grow freely.
- Take a pot or seedling tray and fill it with potting soil.
- Sow the chilli seeds about 1/4 inch deep in the soil, spacing them 2-3 inches apart. Water the soil thoroughly after sowing.
- Chilli seeds typically germinate in 1-2 weeks.
5) Transplanting Chilli Seedlings
After knowing how to grow chillies plant in pots at home indoors or outdoors learn how and when to transplant chilli seedlings. Once chilli seedlings are 2-3 inches tall and have a strong root system, transplant them into their final or big containers or grow bags. Ensure proper spacing to allow for healthy growth.
Chilli Plant Care and Maintenance
Follow these care and maintenance tips throughout the growing season to make chilli plants grow faster and keep them healthy.
1) Watering:
Water the chillies when the top inch of the soil feels dry. Maintain consistent soil moisture, but avoid waterlogging.
2) Sunlight:
Chillies need full sun to thrive. Insufficient light can lead to leggy growth and reduced fruit production. Supplemental lighting may be necessary if natural light is inadequate.
3) Fertilizer:
- Use a balanced, slow-release organic fertilizer like vermicompost, cow dung manure, or Bio Npk Fertilizer. Apply fertilizer every 4-6 weeks to provide essential nutrients.
- You can also apply PROM-Phosphorus Rich Organic Manure and bone meal fertilizer to encourage fruiting in the chilli plants.
(Read More: Top 10 Easiest Vegetables to Grow for First-Time Gardeners….)
Pest and Diseases in Chilli Plants
- Common chili pests include aphids, cutworms, flea beetles, whiteflies, and spider mites.
- Be alert for diseases like powdery mildew and bacterial spots.
- Check your plants and use organic pest control methods such as neem oil pesticides.
When To Harvest Chillies
- Generally, you can start harvesting chillies 60-90 days after transplanting or 100-120 days after sowing the seeds.
- Chilies can be harvested when they reach their mature color and size.
- Use sharp scissors or pruning shears to cut the peppers from the plant.
(Read More: Neem Oil for Home Gardens: A Green Guardian Against Pests and Diseases…)
FAQs
How often should I water chillies?
Water the chilli plants consistently, allowing the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings.
Can I grow chillies indoors?
Yes, chillies can be grown indoors windowsills in containers or pots if they receive adequate light and warmth.
What causes chilli plants to drop flowers?
Some Factors like temperature fluctuations, excessive nitrogen fertilizer, or inadequate pollination can lead to flower drop.
How can I prevent chilli plants from getting leggy?
Make sure your chillies receive proper light, provide support to keep them upright, and maintain proper spacing.
Growing chillies at home from seeds in pots is not only enjoyable but also allows you to savor fresh, homegrown peppers in your culinary creations. This guide equips you with the knowledge to grow and care for chilli plants including its step-by-step growing process that ultimately leads to a bountiful harvest.