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If you’re wondering how to grow chilli plants from seeds, the good news is that it’s a straightforward process. The best time to plant is typically during late winter or early spring, about eight to 10 weeks before the last expected frost in your area. Chillies need consistent temperatures above 20 degrees to germinate, so bear this in mind when considering when to plant.
It’s common to start the planting process indoors and move your plants outdoors once they’re more established. This helps to give the chilli plants a head start, leaving you with a longer growing season and healthier, tastier fruits.
When planting, use a free-draining, seed-starting mix and plant the seeds half a centimetre deep. Nurture the seeds gently. To keep them happy, you’ll want to maintain a warm and consistently moist environment so they can germinate. Use a water mister to give a light spritz daily. If you live in a colder area, consider placing your seed trays on top of a heat mat to keep them nice and warm. Once the seedlings have developed, transplant them into larger containers or directly into the garden after any threat of frost has passed.
Purchasing an established chilli plant is also a good option if you don’t want to grow chilli plants from seed or don’t have the time. Simply shop in-store and select the chilli plants that are right for you.
Chillies love the warmth, so make sure you choose a sunny location for your plant, and ensure the spot has well-draining soil. Prepare the soil by mixing in some good quality compost with a shovel or fork. Space the plants according to the needs of the particular chilli variety. As a rough guide, this is typically at least 30cm to 40cm apart. Dig a hole slightly larger than the root ball and as deep as it was in its container. Place the plant into it and backfill with soil. Give it a healthy watering and allow it to settle into the ground.
You’ll need to provide regular care by watering to keep the soil damp, adding fertiliser to enrich the soil every couple of weeks, and staking to support taller varieties. Give your plants a nice blanket of organic mulch to help retain soil moisture and minimise potential weed growth.
In terms of watering, a general guide is to water two to three times a week in the morning so the plants can absorb the moisture before the heat of the day. Aim to water at the base of the plants. This will help avoid getting the leaves wet and causing excess humidity, which could lead to disease or sunburn. A great solution for low-maintenance watering is installing simple drip irrigation or soaker hoses. These make it easy for the water to go straight to the root zone, preventing issues like fungal diseases.
Tip: Cover the plants with a garden shade cloth during the height of summer, when the sun is intense.
Chilli plants like their breathing space. Space them 30cm apart in rows that are 40cm apart from each other. This will allow plenty of healthy air circulation and proper sunlight exposure. It will also help prevent overcrowding, which reduces the risk of diseases. Be sure to check the plant label and adjust the spacing based on the needs of your chilli variety.
Tip: Plant your chillies in a triangular pattern in order to maximise your space. Once you’ve finished harvesting your chillies, save some chilli seeds to plant for the next season.
When selecting a pot for a chilli plant, choose one that has good drainage to avoid root-rot. Aim for a pot that has drainage holes and is at least 30cm to 40cm in diameter to provide sufficient space for root development. Typically, you’re looking at a 19-litre pot or larger for a single chilli plant.
Asbestos, lead-based paints and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber are health hazards you need to look out for when renovating older homes. These substances can easily be disturbed when renovating and exposure to them can cause a range of life-threatening diseases and conditions including cancer. For information on the dangers of asbestos, lead-based paint and CCA treated timber and tips for dealing with these materials contact your local council's Environmental Health Officer or visit our Health & Safety page.
When following our advice in our D.I.Y. videos, make sure you use all equipment, including PPE, safely by following the manufacturer’s instructions. Check that the equipment is suitable for the task and that PPE fits properly. If you are unsure, hire an expert to do the job or talk to a Bunnings Team Member.
