Holly's Homestead — Nightshade
Chilli
Capsicum spp. · Nightshade family
DIFFICULTY Easy–moderate
TYPE Tender perennial, grown as annual, seedling
MATURITY 70–100 days
TYPE Tender perennial, grown as annual, seedling
MATURITY 70–100 days
Sun
Full sun, warm
Water
Moderate, even
Soil pH
6.0–6.8
Spacing
40–50cm
Depth
as per seedling
01Support helps
A light stake keeps chilli bushes from splitting under a heavy fruit load, especially for prolific varieties.
02Planting
Method
Plant seedlings once nights are reliably warm.
Soil
Rich, well-drained.
Timing
Plant in late spring once frost risk has fully passed.
03Growing care
- Stake as needed once fruit sets heavily.
- Water evenly — stress can affect fruit heat and yield.
- Feed with a potassium-rich fertiliser once fruiting.
- Pick regularly to encourage continued production.
04Problems
- Aphids — cluster on new growth; hose off.
- Blossom end rot — irregular watering.
- Fruit fly — net or bag ripening fruit.
- Sunscald — keep foliage cover over exposed fruit.
05Harvest & storage
Signs
Full colour for the variety — chillies can also be picked green and less hot.
Method
Cut with scissors or secateurs, leaving a short stem.
Curing
Can be dried whole or strung for storage.
Storage
Fresh: fridge 1–2 weeks. Dried: airtight, a year or more.
06Companions & rotation
Plant nearby
BasilOnionCarrotAvoid nearby
FennelBrassicasRotation note
Avoid following other nightshades for 2–3 years.