How to Pot Chilli Plant

Chilli plants are a must-have in every garden, and you don't need any experience to grow them. They are easy to manage and grow, and all you need is a pot, good soil, sunlight, and water. Here's a complete guide on how to pot a chilli plant:

Choose the Right Pot

Choose a pot that's at least 8 to 10 inches wide, so the roots have enough room to grow. The pot must have drainage holes to help water drain and prevent the plant from waterlogging. The pot should be made of plastic, ceramic, or terracotta. Ensure that the pot has a matching saucer, so water does not leak on the floor.

Select the Best Soil

The right soil is essential for chilli plants to grow, and picking the wrong soil will cause the plant to die. You can buy soil mix, or you can make your own by mixing equal parts of soil, sand, and perlite. Ensure that the soil drains well, and it's not too compact, to give the roots plenty of breathing room.

Plant the Chilli

Fill the pot with soil to about two-thirds full, and then dig a hole for your chilli plant. Gently take the chilli plant out of the container and place it in the hole. Lightly pack the soil around the plant, ensuring it's straight and upright. Finish by filling the pot with soil, leaving a space of about an inch from the top of the pot.

Water the Chilli Plant

Water your chilli plant moderately, making sure that you do not overwater it, as this can lead to the death of the plant. Wait for the soil to dry out on the top, then water deeply until water comes out of the drainage holes. Stop watering when the water reaches the saucer, and wait until the soil is dry again before watering.

Place the Chilli Plant in the Sun

Chilli plants require at least six hours of sunlight, so find a spot where the plant can get enough sunlight. You can place it near a window, on a balcony or verandah, or on a sunlit patio. Make sure that the plant does not get too much direct sunlight, as this can scorch the leaves.

Fertilize the Chilli Plant

Chilli plants need fertilizers to grow and produce fruits. You can buy organic or inorganic fertilizers from a garden center. Apply fertilizer once every two weeks, as too much fertilizer can lead to overfeeding and can harm the plant.

Prune the Chilli Plant

Chilli plants can grow very bushy and sometimes need to be pruned for better growth. Prune any yellow, diseased, or dead leaves with a pair of scissors, and remove any suckers that grow at the base of the plant. Suckers compete with the plant for nutrients.

Harvesting the Chilli Plant

Once the chilli plants start flowering, they will produce fruits. The fruits will start green and will turn red when they're ripe. The fruits can be harvested once they're red and can be used fresh or dried. For the best flavor, pick the fruits when they're fully ripe, and never pick them before they're mature.

In conclusion

Showering your chilli plant with plenty of love, care, and attention can help it thrive throughout the growing season. Potting a chilli plant is a fulfilling and fun experience for beginners and experienced gardeners alike. Follow the tips in this guide, and you can have a bountiful harvest of juicy and spicy chillis.