Chili peppers are fruit plants that belong to the genus Capsicum and family Solanaceae and this plant is botanically known as Capsicum annuum.
There are about 5 cultivated species of the chili pepper and this plant is usually grown as a source of food or medicinal purposes since the beginning of time and this plant has been an important part of the Asian and American diet for a very long time.
Chili pepper originates from Mexico, against the popular Asian notion that most people have, and the cultivation of this plant is believed to have started about 6,000 years ago and China is not the largest producer of this plant; producing half of the total world population.
The popular species of the chili pepper known are Capsicum annuum (the most popular of them all), Capsicum frutescens, Capsicum chinense, Capsicum pubescens, and Capsicum baccatum and each of these species have numerous varieties that are derived from them.
The characteristic component of the chili pepper that gives it its hot spice taste/heat to the plant is the capsaicin that is located in the plant which is related to the compound capsaicinoids.
The leaves and fruits (berry) of the chili pepper plants are edible, although the leaves are not popularly consumed, it is very edible and safe to consume.
Chili peppers are known for the thickness of its outer skin which does not get broken down when cooked and this has made this plant cooked as a whole or in large slices.
Chili peppers can either be cooked as greens or red (after maturity); green chili peppers are young fruits that are yet to attain maturity while the red-colored peppers are matured and they are very rich in capsaicin content which makes them taste hotter.
This plant is a popular plant in the diets of many cultures and traditions around the world and it has been an effective and interesting way to add spice and taste to foods and diets.
Growing chili peppers is very easy and with the understanding of the proper and appropriate environmental conditions required for the survival of this plant, you will be able to grow your chili plant around your home with ease and convenience.
Most homeowners and gardeners love to grow their own plants with the priority of growing more healthy and safe food to consume.
In this article, we will take you through plants the right time when planting is to be done as well as how planting chili pepper is to be done. Read through to learn more about this interesting plant.
When is the right time to grow Chili pepper?
Chili peppers are sun-loving plants that thrive well in temperate regions or regions that receive sun very well.
This plant requires a temperature that is above 50 degrees Fahrenheit for germination to take place so the best time for planting chili peppers is during summer or spring just after the last spring frost has passed.
Chili peppers should be planted when the soil temperature has risen above 50 degrees Fahrenheit and the soil must be ready to be worked at this point in time; avoid cold or frost as this will prevent the plant from germinating.
As a guide, rather than growing chili peppers directly into the soil in spring or summer, the plant should be started indoors as this will help improve the survival of the plant as a whole.
Plants grown indoors tend to grow healthier and better than those started outdoors so you should think about growing the plant indoors before transplanting is done.
Transplanting should be done either in spring or summer as long as the temperature is above 10 degrees Celsius. The plant should be planted at least 6 to 8 weeks before the last spring frost date.
How to grow Chili peppers at home
Growing chili pepper is an easy task to engage in and this operation itself does not require much effort as you can easily grow them indoors, in pots, or outdoors.
If you are a person who aims to ensure that their family consumes good food at all-time then you will want to learn how to grow your own chili pepper and that incredible spice to your diet at all times.
In this section of the article, you will learn how growing chili peppers can be easily done around homes so you should read through to learn.
Below are the steps involved in growing the spicy, hot chili peppers:
Fill the starter cells with soil:
Since plants are to be started indoors, the cells within the trays should be filled with growing soils ensuring that they do not reach the top region of the cells.
The soil for growing the seed must be very rich in nutrients and you can also mix the soil with a potting mix that contains vermiculite or perlite.
This will ensure that the moisture in the soil drains well and the plant will be able to spread its root well within the soil.
Plant a few seeds in the seed tray:
2 or 3 seeds of the chili pepper should be placed on the soil in the cells and cover the top of the seeds with little soil or potting mix before watering.
Due to the fact that some seeds might not germinate it is very important to plant more than one as thinning will still take place. Choose seeds of varieties that thrive well in your region so as to have the best production possible.
Water the seeds:
Once the seeds have been planted in the soil; the next thing to do is to water the soil to keep the soil as moist as possible. Watering the soil will encourage good contact with the soil and also ensure the germination of the plant.
Watering should be done on a daily basis to keep the soil as moist and ensure that the plants germinate well. Avoid overwatering the soil as this can cause rot and damage the seeds.
Place the seeds in a spot that receives minimal light:
After planting, ensuring that the seeds receive enough light penetration that will aid its growth is very essential.
Keep the temperature of the environment to at least 65 degrees Fahrenheit until germination occurs. Make sure that the soil receives water at all times and is kept moist.
Place in a spot that receives indirect sunlight:
Once the plants begin to sprout, the plant should be placed at a spot that receives indirect sunlight.
The plant should receive at least 6 hours of sunlight and if that is not possible in your region you can use fluorescent tube light to increase the amount of light made available to the plant.
Transplant the plant to containers:
Once the plant has developed leaves (at least two) transplanting can be carried out. The seedlings that germinated should be transplanted from the seed trays to a new container that will allow the growth of the roots and ensure that they grow larger.
The new container should be wider in depth and width and must have good drainage. Fill the container with the growing material used in the seed tray, keep the soil in the seed tray moist, make a hole at the center of the container, carefully squeeze the tray at the side, and plant the seedling in the hole. Once transplanting is done water well to ensure continuous growth.
Thin the seedlings:
Once growth occurs, thin out weak plants and leave the largest and healthiest plants among them all. The seedlings to leave should have fuller leaves, tall stems, and considerable leaf growth.
Allow the plant to grow in the pot until they are large enough to withstand the outside environmental condition and acclimation should be done before transplanting is done.
Acclimation involves exposing the plant to more outdoor conditions over a time period to ensure they have the tenacity to withstand their new environment.
Select a growing site:
The site must be well-fertile, well-draining, and should receive sunlight for at least six hours daily. This will encourage the growth and development of this plant.
Make sure that the region chosen is sufficient for growing the plant. If your soil is not fertile enough then preparing it with the addition of compost or aged manure ahead of transplanting is essential. You can also grow the plant in raised beds to ensure growth.
Transplant the seedling outdoor:
Seedlings should be transplanted at a depth one-third of the stem’s height, and the plant should be spaced 18 to 36 inches apart. Space between rows should also be 24 to 36 inches and this depends on the species of this plant you are planting.
Keep the soil moist to ensure efficient transplanting and to also prevent damaging the plant root. Transplanting should be done in late spring or early summer for the best result.
Water the plant regularly:
The plant should be watered regularly to keep the soil moist and also ensure the continuous growth of the plant.
Make sure that water is always made available to the plant to ensure development. You can mulch the plant base to keep the soil warm and encourage growth.
Conclusion
Having chili peppers growing around your home will help you eradicate the need for purchasing this fruit from the stores and this will also help improve the healthiness of the food that you consume.
If you are a lover of gardening, add this plant to your garden and try something new if you’ve never grown it before. You will definitely love adding this spice to your diet.
On behalf of the author, thank you so much for taking the time to read this article !
