Damon Mcknight
Chillies are a popular addition to cuisines worldwide and can be grown in all climatic zones in Australia. They come in a variety of colours and shapes, with heat intensities ranging from mild to very hot. Chillies can be grown in pots or directly in the ground, preferably in a warm, sheltered spot with well-drained soil and regular watering during dry weather. They are prone to pests and diseases, such as aphids, sooty mould, fruit flies, and blossom end rot, so pest control measures and proper soil preparation are important. With the right care, growing chillies can be a rewarding experience for gardeners in Australia.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Climate | Warm, tropical temperate |
| Soil | Free-draining quality garden soil, slightly acidic (5.5-6.5 pH), warm (above 20°C) |
| Position | Full sun, sheltered, avoid wind |
| Feeding | Controlled-release fertiliser at planting time or annually |
| Watering | Regularly, keep the plant moist but never wet |
| Pests | Aphids, sooty mould, fruit flies, root knot nematodes |
| Common issues | Blossom end rot (caused by calcium deficiency and irregular watering) |
| Harvesting | December to April |
| Notes | Wear gloves when handling chillies and their seeds |
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What You'll Learn
- Soil preparation: Mix cow manure, compost and fertiliser into well-drained soil
- Germination: Requires warm soil, above 20°C
- Pests: Control aphids with horticultural oil-based spray
- Watering: Regularly water, but avoid over-watering
- Harvesting: Harvest when fruit is fully formed, usually from December to April
Soil preparation: Mix cow manure, compost and fertiliser into well-drained soil
To prepare your soil for planting chillies, mix cow manure, compost, and fertiliser into well-drained soil. Chillies thrive in warm spring and summer temperatures, so it's important to ensure that the soil is warm, with a temperature of at least 20 degrees Celsius. If you're growing super-hot chillies, the soil temperature should be even warmer—around 22 to 26 degrees Celsius.
When preparing the soil, mix in some cow manure, compost, and certified organic pelletised fertiliser. You can also add dolomite or lime to improve calcium levels, which can help prevent blossom end rot, a common issue caused by a lack of calcium. This condition causes the fruit to rot at the tip while still on the plant.
In addition to well-drained soil, chillies prefer slightly acidic soil with a pH of 5.5 to 6.5. They also benefit from being grown in a warm, sheltered spot, which enhances their flavour. While chillies love full sun, be careful not to place them in an overly hot location, as too much sun can dry them out. A little bit of shade is tolerable, but keep them out of the wind, as their branches are brittle and can easily break.
When planting chillies, consider using a premium-quality certified organic potting mix if you're growing them in pots. Water the plants well after planting, and finish with a thin layer of mulch to retain moisture and keep weeds at bay. With the right soil preparation and growing conditions, you'll be well on your way to successfully growing chillies.
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Germination: Requires warm soil, above 20°C
Chillies are native to Mexico, and they have been cultivated for more than 6,000 years. They are a popular addition to cuisines worldwide, and they can be grown in Australia. Chillies thrive in warm spring and summer temperatures, and they require a steady warm soil temperature of at least 20°C to germinate. If you are growing super-hot chillies, the soil temperature should be even warmer, between 22°C and 26°C. In this case, it is advisable to sow seeds inside a mini greenhouse placed on a heat pad.
Chilli seeds can be sown directly into a garden bed or started in trays filled with a seed-raising mix and then transplanted when the seeds are 5cm high. Before planting, prepare the soil by mixing in some cow manure, compost, and certified organic pelletised fertiliser. Also, apply dolomite or lime to improve calcium levels. In Australia, soils are commonly calcium deficient, so applying dolomite or lime at planting and midway through the growing season can help prevent blossom end rot.
If you are starting seeds indoors, soak them for about 24 hours before planting, and then sow them in a peat pellet that can be put directly into the garden or a container after seedlings emerge. Chilli seedlings can suffer from transplant shock, so it is important to consider this when deciding on a planting method. In cooler areas, growing chillies in pots is advantageous because the pots can be brought under cover if frost is expected.
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Pests: Control aphids with horticultural oil-based spray
Aphids are insects that can become a problem for young chilli seedlings, enjoying fresh leaf growth. They can be controlled with an organic horticultural oil-based spray. Horticultural oil is a natural or dormant oil made from plants, vegetables, and minerals. It is an effective and ecologically friendly way to handle many garden insect pests and even some diseases. The majority of pest control oils are a type of mineral oil, a refined petroleum product. Vegetable oils, such as cottonseed and soybean oil, are also effective pesticides.
Horticultural oil is also known as white oil and is an inexpensive pesticide that can be prepared at home from readily available materials. It is used to control scale, aphids, mealy bugs, citrus leaf miners, mites, and caterpillars on roses, ornamentals, citrus, and other fruit trees. You can make your own horticultural oil by mixing two cups of vegetable oil with half a cup of dishwashing detergent. Shake the liquid before use and store it in a cool, dry place.
When using horticultural oil, it is important to follow the instructions on the label. It should only be used when necessary or when plants are dormant, as it can affect both good and bad bugs. The oil must be sprayed directly on the pests to be effective. Excess oil evaporates and dissipates quickly, leaving no toxic residue, making it safe around humans and pets. It is important to only spray horticultural oils during mild weather, as high temperatures can damage the plant. Do not use horticultural oils on plants with hairy or soft leaves, as it will burn their leaves.
To control aphids on chilli plants, apply two sprays of horticultural oil 3-5 days apart. Repeat again if the pests reappear, but do not use more than three sprays over a 4-8 week period.
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Watering: Regularly water, but avoid over-watering
Chillies require regular watering during dry weather, but it's important to avoid over-watering. When growing chillies, it's crucial to maintain a balance when it comes to watering. While the chilli plant is growing and the fruit is developing, keep the soil moist but never wet. This is especially important if you're growing chillies in pots, as they can be more susceptible to drying out. Make sure you water them regularly and avoid putting a saucer underneath, as this can lead to over-watering.
To ensure the optimal water balance, it's recommended to use OCP eco-hydrate, which helps improve water penetration and retention. This can be especially beneficial during hot weather when the risk of irregular watering is higher. By using OCP eco-hydrate, you can maintain a consistent moisture level in the soil, which is crucial for chilli plants.
In addition to regular watering, it's important to prepare the soil properly before planting chillies. Mix in some cow manure, compost, and certified organic pelletised fertiliser. Applying dolomite or lime to the soil can also improve calcium levels, which helps prevent blossom end rot caused by calcium deficiency and irregular watering.
When growing chillies in pots, it's essential to use a premium-quality certified organic potting mix. After planting, water the chillies well with OCP eco-seaweed to help them settle and recover from transplant shock. Finish with a thin layer of mulch, such as sugar cane or straw, to retain moisture and keep weeds at bay.
By following these watering guidelines and maintaining a consistent moisture level, you can successfully grow healthy chilli plants and enjoy their vibrant fruit. Remember to adjust your watering habits according to the weather conditions and always ensure that the soil is moist but never soaked.
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Harvesting: Harvest when fruit is fully formed, usually from December to April
Chillies are ready to harvest when the fruit is fully formed, which is usually from December to April. The plants start producing their vibrantly coloured fruit from the summer spell until April, brightening up your garden. They can be grown in pots or directly in the ground. The fruit colour ranges from green, yellow, orange, red, and purple.
If you are growing chillies in a pot, be sure to water them regularly and avoid putting a saucer underneath. While the chilli is growing and the fruit is developing, keep the plant moist but never wet. If growing chillies in the ground, ensure you choose a spot that gets plenty of sun and has well-drained soil. Prepare your soil ready for planting by digging in some cow manure, compost, and certified organic pelletised fertiliser a few weeks prior to planting.
Chillies can be harvested by plucking the fruit from the chilli shrub. To dry the chillies, pierce the stem with a needle and thread, then hang the threaded chillies to dry. Occasionally, a chilli will rot rather than dry; remove any rotten chillies from the string before they can affect the others. Dried chillies can be used directly by frying them in hot oil to draw out the flavour or by rehydrating them in water.
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Frequently asked questions
Chillies thrive in warm spring and summer temperatures, well-drained soil, and full sun. They prefer slightly acidic soil of 5.5-6.5 and a steady soil temperature of at least 20 degrees Celsius.
Aphids, fruit flies, and root knot nematodes are common pests. Aphids can be controlled with an organic horticultural oil-based spray. Fruit flies can be prevented with exclusion netting. Root knot nematodes are microscopic roundworms that attack the roots, causing the plant to wilt. This can be mitigated by building up organic matter in the soil and practising crop rotation. Blossom end rot is caused by calcium deficiency and irregular watering, so ensure regular deep watering and apply dolomite lime.
Yes, chillies can be grown in pots or containers, which offer the advantage of mobility to follow the sun or protect from frost. Use a premium-quality certified organic potting mix, and ensure regular watering.
In warmer areas, chilli seeds can be sown anytime between July and September. In cooler regions, start the seeds indoors and transplant them outdoors in early spring to avoid cold temperatures that hinder germination.
