Growing super spicy chillies at home is easier than you think, whether youre new to getting your fingers green or a dab hand at planting produce.
They say variety is the spice of life, but chillies must come a close second. There are several tasty types of chilli, from juicy jalapenos to scorching scotch bonnets. And the best part is that you can grow them at home pretty easily. Heres a quick checklist for growing your own chillies:
Growing chili peppers can be immensely rewarding, but getting those spicy fruits requires proper care. One of the most important aspects of chili care is watering them correctly. Understand how often chili plants need water for optimal growth and fruit production.
Chili Pepper Water Needs
Chili peppers need consistent moisture particularly when growing flowering, and fruiting. However, they are susceptible to issues if overwatered, such as
- Root rot due to soggy soil
- Increased risk of fungus and disease
- Nutrient deficiencies
- Reduced growth
Providing the right amount of water prevents these problems. Generally, chili plants need about 1-2 inches of water per week from either rainfall or irrigation. But several factors impact their exact water requirements:
Plant Size
Larger chili plants with more extensive root systems need more water than smaller seedlings or younger plants. Mature plants may need watering daily in hot, dry weather.
Container vs. In-Ground
Potted peppers dry out faster and require more frequent watering than in-ground plants. Those grown in containers may need water daily depending on temps.
Climate Conditions
Hot, dry, and windy environments cause rapid moisture loss from both the plants and soil Chili plants need more water in these conditions
Type of Chili
Some chili varieties are naturally more drought-tolerant, like jalapenos and cayenne peppers. Others, like bell peppers, need steadier moisture.
Soil Type
Well-draining, sandy soils require more frequent watering. Heavier clay soils hold more water and take longer to dry out.
Signs Chili Plants Need Water
Rather than sticking to a rigid watering schedule, check your chili plants for signs of thirst:
- Wilting or drooping leaves
- Soil is dry 2-3 inches below the surface
- Potted plants feel light when lifted
- Leaf edges appear brown or crisp
- Fruit is small or misshapen
- New growth is reduced
If you see these signs, it’s time to thoroughly water. Wilting leaves or dry soil are clear indicators chili plants need a drink.
Watering Chili Plants Properly
Follow these tips for watering chili pepper plants:
- Water early in the day so leaves dry by nightfall. This prevents fungal diseases.
- Thoroughly soak the entire root zone, not just the surface.
- Add water slowly to allow absorption and prevent runoff.
- Use drip irrigation or soaker hoses to target roots and reduce water waste.
- Collect and use rainwater which peppers prefer over tap water. Or allow tap water to dechlorinate before using.
- Avoid overhead watering which can splash soil onto leaves and spread disease.
- Check soil moisture and plant appearance daily to determine when more water is needed.
- Reduce watering as peppers ripen to concentrate flavors.
Proper irrigation is vital for healthy, productive chili pepper plants. Pay close attention to their water needs throughout the growing season. With a little trial and error, you’ll get a feel for exactly how often to water your chili plants for success.
Dealing with pests and problems
Chillies can suffer from a few pesky pests and problems. Here are some of the more common ones:
- Grey mould: Furry-looking grey growths on the tips of the plant. This is usually a sign of too much humidity, so cut the mouldy parts away and keep the chilli plant high and dry for a while.
- Red spider mites: These creepy crawlies are identified by little webs on the plant. Mist the leaves regularly to discourage the mites.
- Whitefly: These pale pests gorge themselves on the sap of your chilli plants. Look for them underneath the leaves and use fly traps or insecticide to get rid of them.
How to care for chillies
Chillies grow quite happily with relatively little care once theyre in their final pots. If you find your chilli plants drooping drunkenly, tie them to a thin cane or stake to give them a helping hand.
Your chillies wont enjoy getting chilly. They need a good amount of heat to grow properly, with the ideal temperatures laying somewhere between 26° and 31°C. The best environment is a greenhouse or sunny spot outside, but a warm kitchen windowsill also works.
Chillies are nearly always thirsty, so water them once or twice every day as long as the soil is dry. Keep them in well-draining pots, as leaving them to sit in too much water could make them rot, ruining your hard work.
For a colossal chilli crop, give them a weekly dose of fertiliser once you start to see flowers appearing.
Watering Pepper Plants – When To Water (And When Not To) – In Depth Guide
FAQ
Do chillies need to be watered every day?
Chillies are nearly always thirsty, so water them once or twice every day as long as the soil is dry.
Can you overwater chilli plants?
Blooms and Fruits: Adjusting as Your Chili Grows
Increase watering to support this growth spurt, but stay sharp; overwatering invites root rot to the party. Keep the balance during fruiting by observing your plants.
Do chilli plants need full sun?
Yes, chili plants generally need full sun to thrive and produce a good yield. They require a minimum of 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day. While they can tolerate partial shade, their productivity will be lower.
How often should I water a chili plant indoors?
Most chile pepper plants like to be watered when the top of the soil is slightly dry to the touch. It is important to use containers with drainage holes. When watering, moisten the soil by using enough water so that it starts to come out of the hole in the bottom of the container.