Chili trees grow in the Mexican highlands at an altitude of 2500 meters and are used to cool temperatures. If suitable winter quarters are available, tree chillies (Capsicum pubescens) can reach a proud age of up to 15 years. Here you can find out how to properly overwinter a chili tree and what mistakes to avoid.
The cold-sensitive chili tree has to move to a warm place in winter
When is the best time to give up?
Falling temperatures in autumn are the perfect preparation for a healthy winter. Leave your chili tree outside until the temperature falls below the magic 10 degree mark at night. A useful utensil is a minimum-maximum thermometer that shows you the lowest temperature of the previous night in the morning.
How should a chilli tree overwinter?
Because of its origin, a chili tree is tough. As long as the splendor is not treated with frost and darkness, there are good prospects for a healthy, safe hibernation. The secret of success is a combination of a suitable location and attentive care. How to do it right:
Location Tips
If your chilli tree had a say, your winter guest would advocate a location with these general conditions:
- Cool, temperate with 12° to 18° Celsius (minimum 10°, maximum 20° Celsius)
- Flooded with light, without direct sunlight
A bright, cool stairwell, conservatory or greenhouse is excellent. If you still have a bright spot in the slightly heated bedroom, the chili tree will be happy to keep you company.
Chili tree winter care
Tree chillies stop growing in winter. If you adjust the care program to the rest phase, nothing can go wrong. Pour dried soil only after a finger test with stale water. Please do not administer any fertilizer until the first leaves sprout in spring. This is the best time to repot an overwintered chilli tree and get in the mood for another fruitful season.
What mistakes to avoid?
A chilli tree is doomed in winter if the indoor gardener makes these mistakes:
- Location too dark
- Temperatures below 10° Celsius
- Mold formation due to soil that is too moist
- Drought stress due to insufficient watering
If aphids and whiteflies attack a tree chilli in winter quarters, its survival is on the razor's edge. Regular checks using a magnifying glass unmask the pests in time for effective control with home remedies such as curd soap solution.
tips
The lack of space should not prevent your chilli tree from overwintering. All species from the paprika genus tolerate pruning. Cut back long shoots by half before clearing. As long as you leave at least one pair of leaves standing, a tree chilli will happily sprout again next spring.