How to grow chili peppers? Methods and timing explained in one go
Chili peppers are the most common vegetable in our daily lives and an indispensable seasoning in the kitchen. There are extremely many varieties, and they are widely used. So do you know how they are grown? When is the best time to plant them? Below, Qinnong.com brings you the growing methods and timing for chili peppers.
Chili pepper growing methods
1. Soil selection and land preparation
The root system of chili peppers is relatively weak, so the growing soil needs to have good conditions. It is best to choose a sunny area or a gently sloping area with sufficient light. Chili peppers grown with sufficient light are not only larger in size but also better in taste. Avoid planting them in places without sunlight for long periods. The soil should preferably be neutral or weakly alkaline; acidic soil should be avoided. If the soil is highly acidic, lime powder can be used to neutralize it. If it is highly alkaline, coal cinder can be added to neutralize it.
2. Sowing and raising seedlings
Before sowing, treat the seeds first. First place the seeds in the sun and expose them to direct sunlight for two days. This can not only increase the germination rate but also kill pathogens carried by the seeds. Alternatively, soak them in diluted potassium permanganate for sterilization, then soak them in warm water for about 12 hours. Evenly scatter the seeds on the seedling bed, cover with about 1 cm of soil, spray water to moisten the soil, and keep the temperature between 25-28°C. They will sprout and emerge in about a week. When the seedlings grow to 5 cm, they can be transplanted.
3. Transplanting management
The root system of chili peppers is relatively weak. When transplanting, furrow planting or flat planting is suitable. At the initial transplanting stage, they should not be buried deeply; they should be covered with shallow soil, and soil should be gradually banked up as they grow. Chili pepper plants have a compact plant type and can be planted densely. Generally, the spacing between plants is 30-45 cm, and the row spacing is 50-60 cm. The growth of chili peppers cannot be separated from water. With sufficient water, the fruits produced are thick-fleshed and juicy, so frequent watering is needed to keep the soil moist at all times, but it must not be too wet, otherwise it easily causes root rot. When watering, fungicides can be added regularly.
Planting time
Chili peppers like heat and are suitable for growing in a mild climate with sufficient sunlight, so the planting time is determined by the local climate. For example, in the Guangdong region, temperatures are relatively high all year round, so they can be planted at any time. In other regions, the planting time is generally from March to July, when both temperature and light are suitable for chili pepper growth. Early sowing allows them to grow more fully and harvest more fruit.
The above is the chili pepper growing methods and timing brought to you by Qinnong.com. For chili pepper cultivation, you can also directly buy seedlings to plant. When purchasing, choose seedlings with darker color and strong stems. Do not buy seedlings that have already begun to bear fruit, as such seedlings will bear fewer fruits later.