6 Stages of Growing Chilli Peppers for Beginners

Are you feeling a little daunted by the prospect of growing chilli peppers for the first time? Don’t worry – I’m here to help! After years of experience, countless hours of research, and many successful harvests, I can confidently tell you that growing chillies is one of the most rewarding experiences for any gardener, from complete beginners to seasoned pros.

This friendly guide will walk you through everything you need to know to start your chilli growing journey, from selecting the right seeds to harvesting your very own home-grown chilli peppers.

What You’ll Learn in This Guide

1. Growing Chillies From Seed – Getting started the right way
2. Caring for Seedlings – Helping your seedlings thrive
3. Soil Mix and Transplanting – Setting up your plants for success
4. Hardening off Plants – Preparing them for the outdoors
5. Pollination – Ensuring you get plenty of chilli peppers
6. Managing Common Pests and Diseases – Keeping your plants healthy
7. Harvesting Your Chillies – Enjoying the fruits of your labor

Let’s get started on your chilli growing adventure!

Your Simple Guide to Growing Peppers

If you’ve seen any of my Seed to Sauce series you’ll know that when I’m growing chilli peppers at home I always try to replicate what happens in nature. The UK does not provide the best chilli-growing environment but there are things you can do to optimize processes, grow your own chillies, and get great harvests. 

Stage 1: Growing Chillies From Seed – Getting Started

There’s nothing more satisfying than watching your seeds transform into thriving chilli plants. If you’ve purchased seedlings already, feel free to skip to Stage 2.

Choosing Your Chilli Varieties 

When selecting which chillies to grow, consider both your taste preferences and growing conditions:

• For milder tastes: Jalapenos or Anaheim peppers offer great flavor with less intensity
• For heat lovers: Varieties like 7Pot Primo or Ghost Peppers (Bhut Jolokia) deliver serious spice

Beginner Tip: If you’re just starting out, try growing more forgiving varieties like Jalapenos, Cayennes, or Hungarian Wax peppers before attempting super-hots, which need longer growing seasons.

Always purchase seeds from reputable vendors with good reviews. I sell a range of quality chilli seeds on my website if you’re looking for reliable options.

“As a beginner grower, try to avoid rushing out and buying a bunch of super hot chillies. They are not easy to grow as they need a very long growing season, so be sure to read my tips on growing chilli peppers before getting started for the best results, including ‘When To Plant Peppers – The Best Time‘.”

— Shaun

The Scarification Technique: A Natural Boost

Here’s something fascinating about chillies in the wild: birds eat them and spread the seeds through their droppings. During this process, the seeds go through “scarification” in the bird’s stomach, which helps them germinate more easily.

We can replicate this natural process with a simple technique:

1. Make a tea bath: Brew some regular tea (English breakfast or chamomile work well) and let it cool
2. Soak your seeds: Place your seeds in the tea for 24 hours
3. Label everything: Use waterproof markers so you know what’s what

Something else you can use for chemical scarification is hydrogen peroxide (3% strength) which you can get from a chemist or Amazon. For more information on this process – watch Chilli Pepper Seed Starting. I have experimented with many different methods, but simple tea has performed best for me.

Choosing the Right Soil

Chillies need good-quality compost for successful germination. Look for:

• Loose, fluffy soil that drains well
• Fine texture (you can sieve it if needed)
• Free from large debris

Fill your seed trays or small pots with this soil, place your seeds on top, and cover them with just a thin layer of compost. Chilli seeds don’t need to be buried deep – just enough to keep them moist and dark.

Temperature: Keeping Things Warm

Chillies originally come from warm climates, so they need heat to germinate properly. The ideal temperature range is 70-90°F (21-32°C).

Good places to start seeds include:

• On top of your refrigerator (it gets warm up there)
• Near a radiator (not too close)
• Using a heated propagation tray if you have one

In cooler climates like the UK, I prefer growing in a greenhouse rather than outdoors to control the environment better.

Watering Seeds & Seedlings

Proper watering is crucial for successful germination:

1. First watering: Use a spray bottle to mist the soil gently – this won’t disturb your seeds
2. Water quality: If possible, use rainwater or let tap water sit out for an hour to remove chlorine
3. Bottom watering: You can also add water to the tray underneath your pots

Cover your seed trays with a clear dome or plastic wrap to keep humidity high. You should see condensation forming on the inside – this is good! Check every couple of days and water when the surface begins to dry out.

Now comes the exciting part – waiting for your seeds to sprout! There’s nothing more rewarding than seeing those first green shoots appear.

Stage 2: Caring for Seedlings – Helping Them Thrive

Once your seeds germinate, it’s time to focus on growing strong, healthy seedlings.

Lighting: Giving Them What They Need

As soon as seedlings emerge, lighting becomes crucial. If you have a sunny windowsill that gets 8+ hours of direct sunlight, that’s a great start. If not, consider getting some grow lights to supplement.

Modern LED grow lights work well and don’t use much electricity. Set them on a timer for about 16 hours on, 8 hours off to give your plants the light they need.

For the best seed germination rates – check out Germinate Chilli Pepper Seeds Like a Pro!

For a comprehensive overview of artificial grow lights and some recommendations read my article Best Artificial Lights for Plants: Boost Your Plants Growth.

Air Circulation: Keeping Things Moving

Good air circulation is important for preventing diseases and building stronger stems:

1. Open the vents on your propagation tray once seedlings appear
2. Remove the dome completely once you see the first “true leaves” (the second set of leaves that appear)
3. Consider adding a small fan nearby to create gentle air movement

If some seeds haven’t germinated yet, you can place small cups or shot glasses over them to maintain humidity while the others get more air.

Top-Watering vs Bottom Watering Chilli Plants

Proper watering is critical for seedling health:

The Lift Test: The easiest way to check if your plants need water is to pick up the pot – if it feels light, it needs water; if it feels heavy, it’s still moist.

I prefer “bottom watering” for seedlings:

1. Add water to the tray underneath your pots
2. Let the plants draw up moisture through the drainage holes
3. Remove any excess water after 30 minutes

Remember, it’s better to under-water than over-water. Chilli plants will show you when they’re thirsty by slightly drooping their leaves.

For a more precise method, you could use a soil moisture and pH meter.

Feeding Your Seedlings

Once your plants are about six weeks old with their first or second set of true leaves, it’s time to start feeding them:

1. Start with a mild seaweed fertilizer (diluted more than the bottle suggests)
2. Feed every other watering
3. Watch for signs of nutrient deficiency (yellowing leaves, slow growth)

The three main nutrients plants need are:

• Nitrogen (N): Helps with leaf growth
• Phosphorus (P): Supports roots and fruits
• Potassium (K): Aids overall plant health

As your plants grow, you can switch to specialized fertilizers like organic tomato feed or Chilli Focus if you prefer.

Stage 3: Soil Mix and Transplanting Seedlings

After 8-10 weeks indoors, your seedlings will be ready for their next home. Whether you’re growing in pots or in the ground, this stage is crucial for long-term success.

Before transplanting your chillies, choose a suitable location with plenty of morning sun and slightly acidic soil; peppers love these conditions. If you’re using pots, ensure they are at least 5 gallons for adequate root development. And, of course, wait until the last frost has passed. For more information read my article on ‘The Best Soil pH for Growing Chili Peppers‘.

Creating the Perfect Soil Mix

Over the years, I’ve developed a simple but effective soil mix that works wonders for chilli plants:

The ChilliChump Mix:

• 10 parts good quality compost
• 1 part perlite (the white crunchy stuff that improves drainage)
• 1 part vermiculite (helps retain moisture and nutrients)
• Optional: half a part fish, blood and bone meal for added nutrients

You don’t need to measure exactly – just combine these in a bucket and mix well.

Why This Works:

• Vermiculite holds moisture and slowly releases nutrients
• Perlite creates air pockets for healthy roots
• The fish, blood and bone meal provides slow-release nutrition

Transplanting Your Seedlings

When moving plants to larger containers:

1. Water your seedlings a few hours before transplanting
2. Fill your new pots with your prepared soil mix
3. Make a hole in the center large enough for the root ball
4. Gently remove the seedling from its current pot
5. Place it in the new pot at the same depth it was growing before
6. Fill in around the sides and water thoroughly

If your seedlings have become “leggy” (tall and thin), you can plant them slightly deeper to provide more support.

I provide more detail on ‘Transplanting Pepper Seedlings Successfully‘ in a separate article.

Stage 4: Hardening Off – Preparing for the Great Outdoors

“Hardening off” means gradually introducing your indoor-grown plants to outdoor conditions. This step is essential to prevent shock, sunburn, and setbacks.

The Two-Week Process

Here’s a simple schedule that works well:

Week 1:

• Days 1-3: Place plants outside in a sheltered, shady spot for 2-3 hours
• Days 4-7: Increase time outside to 4-6 hours, introducing some morning sun

Week 2:

• Days 8-10: Leave plants out all day in a partially sunny location
• Days 11-14: Expose plants to their final growing conditions, including full sun periods

Important: Always bring plants back indoors if temperatures are expected to drop below 50°F (10°C) or if strong winds are forecast.

For greenhouse growers, I recommend this approach:

1. Start by placing plants in a small, sheltered greenhouse or cold frame
2. After about two weeks, move them to your main greenhouse

If you only have a few plants, you can simply move them in and out each day, gradually increasing their sun exposure.

Stage 5: Pollination – Getting Fruit to Form

Around mid-season (July in the UK), your plants should reach about 60cm tall and start producing flowers. These flowers need to be pollinated to turn into chilli peppers.

Helping Nature Along

Chilli plants are self-pollinating, meaning each flower contains both male and female parts. However, they sometimes need a little help, especially indoors or in a greenhouse where there are fewer insects.

Simple Pollination Methods:

1. The Shake Method: Gently shake your plants every day during flowering to help spread pollen
2. The Brush Method: Use a small, soft paintbrush or cotton swab to transfer pollen between flowers

For the brush method, simply touch the center of each open flower, moving from flower to flower. This mimics what bees do naturally.

If your plants are outdoors, natural pollinators like bees will usually do the job for you.

Watch how I pollinate my chillies in this short video.

Common Diseases and Pests – Keeping Your Plants Healthy

Like all plants, chillies can face challenges from pests and diseases. Knowing what to look for helps you catch problems early.

Common Diseases to Watch For

Bacterial Spot:

• Appears as small, water-soaked spots that turn brown
• Prevention: Avoid overhead watering, space plants properly

Powdery Mildew:

• Shows up as white powdery patches on leaves
• Prevention: Good air circulation, avoid wetting leaves

Blossom End Rot:

• Dark, sunken areas at the bottom of fruits
• Prevention: Consistent watering, calcium supplements

Common Pests and How to Handle Them

Aphids:

• Small insects that cluster on new growth
• Control: Spray with neem oil solution or insecticidal soap

Slugs:

• Active at night, leave slime trails and chewed leaves
• Control: Beer traps, copper tape, diatomaceous earth

My Favorite Organic Pest Control Recipe:

• 1 tablespoon neem oil
• 1 teaspoon mild dish soap
• 1 liter of water

Mix in a spray bottle and apply to affected plants, focusing on the undersides of leaves. Apply twice weekly in the evening for best results.

Remember, prevention is always better than cure. Regular inspection of your plants helps catch problems before they become serious.

You might also want to think about adding some companion plants to help attract beneficial insects and wildlife to your growing space. These insects can help to manage pests, promoting a more sustainable approach and minimizing the need for any pesticides or headaches!

You want to avoid using chemicals as these are edibles.

Stage 6: Harvesting Your Chilli Peppers – Enjoying the Rewards

After months of care, it’s finally time to harvest your chillies! Here’s how to know when they’re ready:

When to Harvest

Chillies are typically ready to harvest when they:

• Have turned their final color (red, yellow, orange, etc.)
• Feel firm to the touch
• Have a slight glossy appearance

You can harvest most chillies at any stage after they’ve reached their full size, even if they’re still green. However, letting them ripen to their final color usually develops better flavor and heat.

How to Harvest

1. Use scissors or pruning shears to cut the stem (don’t pull the peppers off)
2. Wear gloves when handling hot varieties to protect your skin
3. Cut about 1cm above where the stem meets the pepper

Once harvested, you can use your chillies fresh, dry them for later use, or save seeds for next year’s growing season.

If you want to save seeds from your pepper harvest to plant next season – read ‘Save Pepper Seeds – How to Harvest Chilli Seeds‘.

Conclusion – Your Chilli Growing Journey

Growing chilli peppers is both an art and a science. This guide covers the basics, but the real joy comes from experimenting and finding what works best in your specific growing conditions.

Don’t be discouraged if everything doesn’t go perfectly your first season – even experienced growers face challenges. Each year, you’ll learn more and improve your techniques.

I encourage you to document your growing journey with photos and notes. This record becomes invaluable as you refine your approach season after season.

Join our ChilliChump community to share your experiences and learn from fellow enthusiasts. Growing chillies is even more rewarding when shared with others who understand the passion!

You can find more detailed articles on chilli pepper growing in the article section on the website. So grab some seeds, get your hands dirty, and enjoy the spicy rewards of growing your own chilli peppers!

FAQs

How Can I Grow Chillies at Home?

Start by buying seeds from online seed suppliers or your local garden shop. Then you plant these seeds in seed trays, nurturing them using the information above until they become young plants. At this point, you will need to pot up or transplant the seedlings to their permanent home for the season. You may need to consider using a grow light if you have limited space or sunlight.

How Long is the Growing Season for Chillies?

The time taken by plants to reach full size and then turn into colorful pepper varies depending upon varieties of chilli selected but generally, it extends throughout your area’s hot weather period. Many pepper plants need months to grow and ripen so give your plants plenty of time in the right heat and humidity to ensure your plants reach maturity.

When Are Peppers Ripe and Ready to Harvest?

The color of the pepper changes when ripe! Peppers turning yellow, orange, red, purple, or brown depending on the variety, are an indication that they’re getting ripe – hot peppers usually ripen to red or yellow, and sweet peppers can ripen to many different colors. The peppers should also be firm – at this stage, you can look to harvest chillies.

Is there any Special Care Required While Growing Chilli Peppers in Pots or Greenhouse?

Yes! It’s important to keep your plant healthy during its growth period; young plants also need regular watering around them as chillies are tender plants that look out for warmth inside a greenhouse setting!

Are All Types of Chilli Hard to Grow?

Nope! There are many easy-to-grow varieties available including extremely hot ones or milder flavors like sweet peppers, making it a fun activity where you get a chance to learn about different types of chilli even if just starting out as a first-time gardener!