Not every hobby gardener can make friends with a room culture of chili. This does not result in an involuntary chili abstinence. If there is no garden available, the plants thrive very well on the balcony.

When is chili allowed on the balcony?

Since the cultivation starts quite early in the year, a little patience is required before moving to the balcony. As a tropical plant, chilies do not tolerate frosty temperatures. Sowing and pricking out therefore take place under glass.

As soon as the temperature no longer falls below 5 degrees Celsius, day or night, you can go out onto the balcony. If you like, harden the plants beforehand by placing them there by the hour.

This is how the chili culture succeeds in the flower box

All containers that offer the root ball enough space are suitable as planters. The classic 1 meter flower box (€16.99) is also included. Its volume is indeed limited. It makes up for that as a miracle of space for 3 chili plants.

  • if not already there, drill several holes in the ground
  • create a drainage of gravel or grit
  • Plant the chili and water well with rainwater

It makes sense to support each plant with a wooden stick. The binding material must not cut into the plant tissue. Parallel to the growth, tie the chillies up regularly.

Nutritious substrate compensates for low volume

If 3 heavy-duty chillies thrive next to each other, the condition of the soil is adapted accordingly. Ideally, you increase the nutrient content by adding other components.

  • 4 parts potting soil
  • 1 part garden soil with clay
  • 1 part sieved compost
  • 1 handful of sand
  • 1 tablespoon of bedrock flour

Last but not least, a dose of slow-release fertilizer should not be missing. The composition is geared towards phosphate, for a strong root system.

This is how you keep the purity of the variety on the balcony

The tight space capacity should not prevent you from growing different strains. Undesirable cross-pollination can be effectively prevented with simple means.

Just before the flowers open, perform artificial pollination within each variety. Each flower is then given an air-permeable hood. Tea bags that you fill yourself are well suited.

tips and tricks

Clever hobby gardeners place their chilli balcony boxes (€109.00) in the second row behind flowers. This blooming protective barrier blocks wind and rain. At the same time, the infestation of aphids on the chili plants is reduced.

Category:

Vegetable garden