The tree chili or chilli tree (bot. Capsicum pubescens) originally comes from Central America. The plant can get very old, but is not hardy. With a size of up to four meters, hibernation is not always easy, but possible.
The tree chili comes from Central America and does not like German winters
The right winter quarters
In general, a tree chili tolerates the Central European climate better than other chili varieties. Nevertheless, the plant is too cold outside in winter. It should hibernate bright but not too warm. Dark basement rooms are just as unsuitable as overheated living rooms. With ideal overwintering, the crop yield increases, so some energy and care should be expended on this.
The right care in winter
Even in winter, your tree chilli needs a little care. The plant should be watered regularly, but less than during the summer months. The soil/substrate must not dry out. On the other hand, do not give the tree chili fertilizer in winter.
Before you bring your tree chilli into the winter quarters, check the plant for any pest infestation and remove excess leaves (for example on the shoots that are to be cut back in spring). This reduces evaporation and the need for water. Cut back the tree chillies around February if the tree is too big for you.
The essentials in brief:
- not hardy
- ideal winter quarters: moderately warm and bright
- Check the plant for pests in the fall
- possibly remove part of the leaves
- water regularly in winter but less than in summer
- do not fertilize until flowering begins
- Cut back and repot the plant in February
- Loosen up roots when repotting and cut back if necessary
tips
If you overwinter your tree chillies in light and not too warm, but also not too cold, then you can hope for a good harvest next year.