Here's how to do it right

Is anyChilli varietysuitable for cultivation in the home garden?

Of the more than 30 species, 5 candidates have proven to be suitable for cultivation in allotments, on balconies and in greenhouses:

• Capsicum annuum as the most popular type of chilli
• Capsicum chinense with the hottest varieties, such as Habanero
• Capsicum frutescens, with the famous Tabasco variety

Capsicum baccatum and Capsicum pubescens still maintain the status of a rarity. In terms of their demands, they are at least on par with the three top dogs.

When should the advancement begin?

So that you can harvest in late summer or autumn is an early onesowingimportant. Sow the seeds under glass in February or March. In a seed medium at 25 to 28 degrees, germination will begin within 10 to 30 days.

The lower the temperature, the longer it lasts

Cultivationthere. We therefore recommend a heated mini greenhouse that creates a warm, humid microclimate.

Which location do the chilli plants prefer?

As a tropical plant, chili is one of the typical sun worshipers. As soon as the cotyledons show up, the following site conditions are recommended:

• sunny location, warm and sheltered
• the temperature does not drop below 15 degrees
• at least 6-8 hours of sunshine a day

However, flowers, leaves and pods should be protected from intense midday sun by shading. This premise applies to a location under glass as well as in the open air.

At what time are pre-grown chillies repotted?

When they germinate, seeds initially push out 2 cotyledons. Several true pairs of leaves develop over this in the following weeks. At the same time, the young plants move closer and closer together in the cultivation container. At the latest when the leaves are in permanent contact, they willrepotted.

What should the substrate be like?

Commercially available sowing and Vegetable soil fulfills all important requirements. Knowledgeable hobby gardeners prefer asSubstrateon the other hand an own mix:

• Earth for the sowing: 8 parts of peat, 2 parts each Perlite(€ 35.50 at Amazon *) and vermiculite
• Bucket substrate: 1 part each of garden soil and compost with 1 handful of sand or perlite as an addition
• Bed soil: fresh, well-drained, humus, rich in nutrients and slightly moist.

Plant chilli in the bed at the right time

Drawn by handor purchased chilli plants are allowed on the balcony or in the bed from mid-May. Experience has shown that at this time there are no more late frosts to fear. If you want to be on the safe side, wait until after the sheep's cold.

• Dig a planting hole with twice the volume of the root ball
• A drainage made of gravel or crushed pottery shards is created at the bottom
• Put the chilli in the middle, dig in with the substrate and pour rainwater in a good measure

The central factors of care consist of regularto waterand fortnightlyFertilize.

At what distance should chilies be planted?

Depending on the variety, chili plants develop a more or less expansive habit. With a plant spacing of 50 centimeters on average, you avoid the danger of being too tight in the bed.

Which neighboring plants are suitable - which are not?

Chili goes very well with herbs such as basil, thyme or lemon balm. All other nightshade plants, such as tomatoes, potatoes or aubergines, are less suitable as neighbors.

Can green chillies be harvested?

Chili peppers do not ripen after harvest. Picking them when they are green is therefore not recommended. Ideally, wait a few more days after the color has changed and then proceed to harvest.

Propagate through self-harvested seeds

theharvestat the same time provides ample material for propagation in the form of seeds.

• Halve the pod with a sharp knife
• Carefully remove the seeds with a teaspoon
• Thoroughly remove the pulp
• It is essential to wear gloves and protective goggles when doing this work

Lay out on kitchen paper, the seeds dry quickly. For storage, we recommend dark screw-top jars with labels.