Chilli Pepper
Capsicum annuum
Family: Solanaceae · Genus: Capsicum
Chilli peppers are varieties of the species Capsicum annuum, grown for their spicy fruit. They are native to the Americas and are now cultivated worldwide. The heat level varies greatly between varieties, with smaller pods generally being hotter.
Soil Temperature
18°C – 35°C
Spacing
40 – 50 cm
Harvest
9–11 weeks
Sowing
Grow in seed trays, and plant out in 4-6 weeks.
Growing Schedule Zone 8b
Companions
Avoid Growing Near
Growing Notes
Small bushy plants. Dark green ovate leaves. Chilli need warm frost free weather, so protect with glass or plastic covers if planting outside in cooler areas. Most varieties need a long growing period to produce many fruit. There are many types of chilli. Some are more fiery than others. As a general rule, the smaller the pod the hotter the taste.
Culinary Hints
Chillies freeze very well. Wash, dry, and freeze whole. Use them direct from the freezer (no need to defrost). Wear plastic gloves or wash your hands thoroughly after handling.