If the heart of a gourmet beats in the hobby gardener at the same time, the desire to grow your own chili is not far away. Read all about the uncomplicated procedure below. From sowing to planting in four steps.

Early sowing ensures timely harvest

The long ripening period of up to 120 days requires early sowing in February or March. In the room, greenhouse or heated conservatory it is warm enough at this time of the year. A pre-treatment in salt water increases the germination mood of the seeds.

  • Plant seeds 2-3 mm deep in potting soil and sieve over them
  • keep a planting distance of at least 2 cm
  • set up in the partially shaded window seat or in the mini greenhouse
  • at 25-28 degrees Celsius the seeds germinate quickly

With rainwater from the spray bottle you keep the seed constantly moist. Waterlogging must be avoided at all costs. In this phase of cultivation there is no fertilization.

Prick with a steady hand

The more tropical the micro-climate, the faster the seeds germinate. First, 2 small cotyledons protrude. They are followed by the first real pair of leaves, which do not remain alone for long. If the seedlings get too close to each other in the pot, prick them out.

  • fill small pots with self-mixed peat sand
  • Using a pricking stick, lift each seedling out of the ground individually
  • Shorten long roots with scissors to 2 cm
  • Pre-drill a small hole with the pricking stick

Plant a little deeper than the chillies were in the seed pot. The substrate may reach up to the cotyledons. Press down the soil and moisten it along with the plants.

Repotting early activates extra root mass

Professional cultivation primarily aims to lure out a lush root mass. Under this condition, the later supply of the above-ground parts of the plant is secured. Therefore, repot as soon as the planter is rooted. Depending on the vigor of the cultivated variety, this may be necessary several times.

The chillies now get a richer substrate of vegetable or garden soil with compost, a handful of slow-release fertilizer, perlite (€37.51) and sand.

  • create a drainage at the bottom of the pot made of coarse, inorganic materials such as gravel or grit
  • Spread out a piece of fleece that is permeable to water and air
  • insert the plant in the middle and surround it with soil

In the last step of repotting, press the substrate a little and pour rainwater on the chili.

Plant out after Cold Sophia

The heat-loving chilli plants must not be exposed to frosty temperatures. They are therefore not planted in the bed until after the ice saints. On May 15th, the Cold Sophia marks the beginning of the summer gardening season.

  • loosen up the bed soil and weed thoroughly
  • Dig planting holes 40-50 cm apart
  • create a drainage out of crushed potsherds
  • Plant and water the chillies

Prudent gardeners protect their plants with insulating fleece at night until after the cold weather at the beginning of June.

tips and tricks

Chili are quite thirsty plants. The warmer and drier the weather, the more frequently it is watered. Happy the hobby gardeners who think of a 5 cm high watering edge when planting and repotting. You are spared the hassle of wiping up the spilled, dirty-wet soil mixture after each watering.

Category:

Vegetable garden