1. Choosing the Right Conditions
- Temperature: Green chilies thrive in warm and humid conditions. The ideal temperature for growth is between 22-25°C (72-77°F), though they can tolerate temperatures up to 32°C (90°F). They are frost-tender, so protect them from cold weather.
- Sunlight: Chilli plants need at least 5-6 hours of direct sunlight daily. Place your pots or plants in a sunny location, such as a windowsill, balcony, or a spot in your garden that receives plenty of sun.
- Soil: Chillies prefer rich, fertile, and well-draining soil. A loamy soil with a pH value of 6.5 to 7.0 is ideal. You can use a good quality organic potting mix, or mix in compost, vermicompost, or well-rotted manure to enrich your soil. Good drainage is crucial, as chillies don’t like to sit in water. You can add perlite or grit to improve drainage.
- Watering: Chillies don’t require as much water as some other plants. Water only when the top layer of the soil feels dry to the touch. Overwatering can lead to root rot and dilute the capsaicin (which makes them spicy). It’s best to have a wet-dry cycle. During fruiting, give them at least 2 inches of water per week, and consider spraying rather than watering at the base to prevent overwatering.
2. Starting from Seed
- Seed Preparation (Optional but Recommended): You can improve germination by pre-germinating seeds. Place seeds between two damp paper towels, put them in a sealed plastic bag or container, and keep them in a warm area (21-27°C or 70-80°F) for 2-5 days until they swell or sprout. You can also soak seeds overnight in warm water.
- Sowing Seeds:
- Fill a seed tray or small pots (at least 3 inches deep) with seed-starting mix or light compost. Ensure the trays have drainage holes.
- Spread the seeds on top of the soil, about 2 inches (5 cm) apart, or sow 2-3 seeds per cell/cup.
- Lightly cover them with a thin layer (about 0.5 cm) of soil or compost.
- Mist lightly with water to moisten the soil.
- Cover the tray with plastic wrap or a dome to create a mini-greenhouse, which helps maintain warmth and humidity.
- Keep the tray indoors in a warm, consistent temperature. Avoid direct strong sun at this stage. Germination usually takes 1-3 weeks.
3. Transplanting and Growing
- Seedling Stage: Once the seeds germinate, tiny sprouts will be visible. The first two leaves that appear are called cotyledons (false leaves). True leaves will emerge above the cotyledons after about two weeks. At this stage, expose the seedlings to more sunlight.
- Thinning: If you sowed multiple seeds per cell, thin them after the second week, keeping only the strongest seedling per cell/cup. Snip off the weaker ones with scissors at the soil level.
