How to Grow Chili Pepper

Growing guide

Overview

Chili peppers are warm-season vegetables prized for their heat, high yields, and compact growth. They thrive in full sun and well-drained soil, and once established they are notably drought-tolerant. Home growers love them for containers, raised beds, and south-facing balconies.

Soil & planting prep

Plant chili peppers in loamy, sandy, well-drained soil with a pH between 6.0 and 6.8. Mix in an inch or two of compost before planting, and space transplants 18 to 24 inches apart. Set transplants at the same depth they grew in their pots.

When to plant

Start seeds indoors about 8 weeks before your average last frost date. Transplant outside only after frost danger has passed and the soil has warmed to at least 60°F, usually when nighttime lows stay above 50-55°F. Chili peppers are not frost-tolerant and should not be fall-planted in cold climates.

How to plant

1. Start seeds indoors 8 weeks before the last frost date, sowing them about 1/4 inch deep in seed-starting mix.
2. Keep the seed trays warm (70-85°F) and in bright light; water only enough to keep the mix lightly moist.
3. Harden off seedlings gradually over 7-10 days before transplanting them outdoors.
4. Choose a full-sun site and transplant after the last frost when soil is at least 60°F, spacing plants 18-24 inches apart.
5. Set each transplant at the same depth it was growing, water it in, then let the top inch of soil dry before watering again.

5 common mistakes to avoid

• Moving plants outdoors too early while nights are still cool below 50-55°F causes stunted growth and flower drop, so wait until after the last frost and warm soil.
• Overwatering to push faster growth leads to root rot and mild-flavored peppers, so let the top inch of soil dry between waterings once plants are established.
• Giving plants too much shade or spacing them too closely reduces flowering and fruit set, so plant in full sun and give each plant at least 18 inches of room.
• Feeding too much nitrogen produces tall leafy plants with few peppers, so use compost or a balanced fertilizer rather than heavy lawn-type nitrogen feeds.
• Skipping hardening off shocks plants with sunscald and stalled growth, so gradually expose seedlings to outdoor sun and wind over 7-10 days.

Harvesting & storage

Peppers are ready to pick when they are firm, glossy, and have reached full size and color for their variety, typically 65-80 days after transplanting. Cut fruits with pruners or a sharp knife, leaving a short stem. Store unwashed peppers in the refrigerator for one to two weeks, or dry or freeze them for long-term storage.

Companion planting

Basil, onions, and carrots are useful companions that grow well near chili peppers in beds or containers. Avoid planting near fennel, which can inhibit pepper growth.

Growing in containers

Chili peppers grow well in containers; use a pot that holds at least 3 gallons per plant and has drainage holes. Place it on a south-facing balcony or patio and fill it with well-drained potting mix.

Pro tips

Start indoors 8-10 weeks before last frost. Chilies love heat — the hotter the summer the hotter the pepper. Great for containers on south-facing balconies.