Fertilize chilli: tips on procedure & timing

Chilies owe their spiciness particularly to proper care. We explain to you when, how and with what best to fertilize the fiery chilies.

Chilies belong to the plant genus paprika (Capsicum) and thus belong to the large nightshade family (Solanaceae). Basically, chillies are nothing more than hot breeds of sweet peppers (Capsicum annuum). So that your plants grow healthily and you can harvest plenty of fiery red, hot fruits Your pepper plants have adequate warmth, plenty of sunlight, enough water supply and a nutrient-rich one Floor. Chilies are one of the most strongly eating vegetables. But as always, the right dosage is important when it comes to fertilization. We explain to you when it is best to fertilize your chilli and how you can easily identify a nutrient deficiency.

The best time to fertilize chili plants

From the seed to the ripe fruit, the chilli plant goes through different stages in which it makes different demands on its nutrient supply. No additional nutrients need to be added during sowing. A commercially available growing medium like ours Plantura organic herb and seed compost is completely sufficient. Finally, in the first few days, the seedlings still supply themselves with the reserve substances in the seed. Pre-fertilized substrates could even negatively affect the development of the seedling due to the high nutrient content.

After pricking and repotting, the chilli can be fertilized for the first time. Either you use pre-fertilized substrate or you work something mainly organic fertilizer in granulate form - like our Plantura Organic tomato fertilizer - into the substrate. By pouring on enough organic fertilizers softened, accessible to microorganisms and the nutrients are released slowly and naturally.

From the end of May, the cold-sensitive pepper plants can be put in a protected place outdoors. It is best to use lean soils beforehand compost or enrich with rotted manure. These natural fertilizers improve the soil structure, activate the soil life and additionally supply the plant with nutrients. Chilies in pots are now also put outside and should be given a larger pot with fresh substrate if necessary.

When planting out or shortly afterwards, the flower buds develop. Now the supply of potassium and phosphorus becomes particularly important. Therefore, it is essential to re-fertilize in May so that the plants set many flowers and fruits. Special chilli fertilizers can hardly be found in specialist shops, but many tomato fertilizers have one corresponding proportion of these nutrients and are therefore also ideal for fertilizing chilies suitable. Mineral fertilizers on the other hand bring a quick nutrient boost, but harbor some dangers if used improperly. It is therefore best to use organic long-term fertilizers in organic quality such as our Plantura Organic tomato fertilizerthat are particularly gentle on your plants, the soil and the animals in the garden.

Recognize deficiency symptoms in chillies

If there are not enough nutrients, the chilli will not be able to grow and will hardly produce any fruit. Too abundant fertilization is, in turn, at the expense of the health of the plants, and a wide variety of over-fertilization symptoms can occur. So watch your plant closely to counteract a deficiency as early as possible. Quite often, yellow discolouration on older leaves is the first sign of a nitrogen or magnesium deficiency, with a magnesium deficiency manifesting itself in yellow leaf spots.

If initially only the young leaves are affected by the yellow coloration and the leaf veins are still colored bright green, an iron deficiency may be the cause. A lack of sulfur is also manifested by yellowish young leaves, as well as stunted growth and a reddish discoloration of leaf stems and shoots. Reddish or brownish discolouration on the stem and on the leaves and a steep upright position of the leaves indicate a lack of phosphorus. A potassium deficiency, on the other hand, manifests itself in deformed or hanging leaves, which later form brown edges and lead to cracks in the fruit peel. Leaves speckled with yellow or yellow leaves with green veins indicate a calcium or boron deficiency. However, such a deficiency rarely occurs in ordinary garden soils.

Because of these effects, one might conclude that it is better to fertilize too much than too little. However, there are also signs that show up when there is an excess of nutrients. The trick is to supply the plant with these nutrients in as optimal quantities as possible. If you notice symptoms of deficiency, it is better to act quickly: choose a fast-acting, organic liquid fertilizer like ours Plantura organic tomato & vegetable fertilizerto get the nutrients you need quickly.

Summary: when should you fertilize chilies?

• Work compost or manure into the soil.
• When repotting or Transplant the plant with organic Slow release fertilizer supply.
• Keep the substrate moist so that the granulate can be broken down.
• Pay attention to symptoms of deficiency and react.

Fertilize chilli: procedure and the right chilli fertilizer

There are a number of ways in which you can supply your pepper plant with a sufficient quantity of nutrients in an optimal composition. It doesn't always have to be the first complete fertilizer from the garden center. We explain to you what is important when choosing a fertilizer.

Organically fertilize chilli: Recommendation for application

In principle, you do not necessarily have to use a special chilli fertilizer. Tomato fertilizers with a high potassium content are perfectly adequate. A primarily organic long-term fertilizer offers many advantages:

• Due to the ongoing decomposition by microorganisms in the soil, the chilli plant is supplied with nutrients over a longer period of time.
• Promotion of an active soil life and a sustainably improved soil structure.
• Protection of the environment by not using chemicals.

Our Plantura organic tomato fertilizer fulfills all of these criteria, as it consists predominantly of organic, plant-based raw materials. It also provides your chilli with sufficient potassium for good fruit quality. The granular fertilizer is also easy to dose and easy to use. So that you supply your chilli plants with the ideal amount of nutrients, we have put together detailed instructions for you below.

Long-term organic fertilization: Instructions and dosage for chillies

1. Before planting: 60 - 110 g / m² (5 - 9 tablespoons) of our Plantura Organic tomato fertilizer work into the ground
2. Pour well so that the granules can soften
3. After 2 months you should fertilize again 50 - 70 g / m² (4 - 6 tablespoons)

Fertilize the chilli with minerals

Liquid fertilizer, Blue grain and Co. are particularly popular in the pot culture of chilli. They ensure a quick burst of nutrients and guarantee a certain basic supply. If the dosage is incorrect, the high salt concentrations in Mineral fertilizers but cause slight or severe fertilizer damage: The spectrum ranges from excessive leaf growth and reduced Fruit set on increased susceptibility to fungal diseases up to the death of the plant due to the high salt concentration the root. Leaching of dissolved mineral nitrogen into deeper soil layers can also lead to increased nitrate concentrations in the groundwater.

Organic fertilizer In contrast, they are much more environmentally friendly and there is almost no risk of over-fertilization - strong over-fertilization is completely excluded. The soil life is promoted by the introduction of organic material and the soil structure is improved with regular use.

Fertilize chilli: coffee grounds and other home remedies

If you prefer to use natural fertilizers in your garden, you can also use mature compost or use well-rotted horse manure. At the time of blossom and fruit formation, it is also advisable to water with diluted Nettle manure (dilute in a ratio of 1:10). This can be easily produced by yourself and also provides the plant with nitrogen and potassium. Another sustainable use is that Fertilizing with coffee grounds. The actual waste product can be scattered on the ground or added to the irrigation water. Coffee grounds contain important nutrients such as potassium, nitrogen and phosphorus. It also attracts earthworms, which help break down the organic matter while loosening the soil. However, use coffee grounds in moderation as fertilizer so that your garden soil does not acidify.

Have you ever grown chilies from seeds? With our Plantura chilli growing kit it is child's play.