How to Grow Chili Peppers at Home
From Jalapenos to Carolina Reapers: everything you need to know about growing hot peppers.
Quick Takeaway
For a quick answer, check the main steps below. Always ensure proper sanitation and optimal temperatures for the best yield.
Heat and Sun
Chili peppers are tropical perennials. They demand full sun (8+ hours a day) and warm soil. Do not move seedlings outside until night temperatures are consistently above 55°F (13°C).
Container Sizing
Peppers do phenomenally well in containers. A 3 to 5-gallon container is sufficient for smaller varieties (like Jalapenos, Habaneros, or Thai chilies). Use our Soil Calculator to mix the right amount of soil.
Topping and Pruning
When your pepper seedling is about 6-8 inches tall, you can "top" it by snipping off the uppermost growing point. This feels counterintuitive, but it forces the plant to push out side-shoots, resulting in a bushier plant with significantly more branches (and therefore, more peppers).
Fertilizer Strategy
Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers once the plant starts flowering. Too much nitrogen will cause the plant to grow massive green leaves but drop its flowers. Switch to a fertilizer higher in Phosphorus and Potassium (e.g., a 5-10-10 blend). Calculate your application using the Fertilizer Calculator.