The Habanero grew diligently throughout the summer. Has adorned itself with numerous bright yellow, orange or red colored chillies. But the colder it gets outside, the more their existence draws to a close. Can we save the habanero in winter quarters?

Habaneros do not tolerate frost and must be overwintered indoors

High heat requirement

All Habanero varieties are heat-loving plants. In their native country of Mexico, they get plenty of sunshine all year round. Unfortunately, we cannot spoil you in this respect in this country. As soon as the temperatures drop below 10 degrees Celsius in autumn, it becomes uncomfortable for them and, in the long run, hostile to life. By this time at the latest, hibernation must be tackled.

Suitable winter quarters

In winter, the priority is not to continue harvesting hot chili peppers, but to get the habanero through to the next season. These are suitable conditions for wintering:

  • bright location near the window
  • install plant light if necessary
  • Temperatures between 10 and 15 degrees Celsius
  • The temperature must not fall below 4 degrees Celsius

tips

If you do not have this ideal winter quarters available, you can also winter the Habanero in a room with a temperature of 20 degrees Celsius. Then, however, more lice can appear.

Preparation for wintering

  1. Harvest your habanero completely.
  2. Check the plant for pests and diseases. Only healthy plants are allowed to enter the winter quarters.
  3. If space in the winter quarters is limited, you can cut the plant back.
  4. Plant a Habanero that is in the bed in a sufficiently large container. Use the soil from the bed for this. Be careful not to damage the root ball.

tips

Hardly anyone will be able to cook so much heat at once. That is also not necessary. The harvested fruits of the habanero can be dried or preserved by pickling.

Care in winter quarters

  • Water the plant only moderately, do not fertilize
  • sporadically check for pests
  • Spray tips regularly with water in warm locations
  • set brighter and warmer from February/March
  • then is the best time to cut back
  • from April gradually get used to being outdoors (if it is already warm)

Notice:
Don't worry if the Habanero loses some of its leaves in winter quarters. This change is triggered by the change in living conditions. The plant will adapt and sprout again in due course.

Category:

Vegetable garden