How to Grow Chili Peppers

• Growing chili pepper plants is similar to growing bell peppers. All peppers grow best in warm soil when the ambient temperature remains above 50 degrees F. (10 C.). Exposure to cooler temperatures inhibit flower production and impedes proper fruit symmetry. As many climates don’t afford a sufficient growing season to direct-seed peppers into the garden, starting chili peppers indoors or purchasing seedlings is often recommended. Start chili pepper plants 6 to 8 weeks prior to the last frost date. Sow seeds ¼ inch (6 mm.) deep in a quality seed-starting mix or use soil-based pellets. Place seedling trays in a warm location. Many varieties of chili peppers sprout within 7 to 10 days, but hot peppers can be more difficult to germinate than bell types. Once germinated, provide plenty of light and keep the soil evenly moist. Old seed and moist, cold soil can cause damping off in chili seedlings.