Chili pepper(Capsicum annuum) has valuable nutritional properties. It is characterized by a high content of vitamin C and beta-carotene, but the main advantage is capsaicin, which gives it a specific spicy taste and has strong anti-cancer properties. In addition,chili pepper is easy to growand can be sown in pots in the apartment. Learn thesecrets of growing chili peppers in a potand collect your own peppers from the windowsill!
Chili pepper
Fig. pixabay.com
Chili pepper - properties
Chili peppers arefruits of varieties of peppers, cultivars and hybrids with a very spicy, searing taste. These are, for example, Cayenne, Jalapeno and Tabasco (capsicum annuum) or Naga Jolokia (habanero pepper cultivar - Capsicum chinense). Many of thesevarieties can be grown even in potsNot only for culinary purposes, but also as decorative peppers.
Capsaicinis responsible for the spicy taste of chili peppers, as it irritates and warms the skin and mucous membranes.
Chili peppers have valuable he alth properties , which are due to the content of vitamins but also capsaicin itself. And sowith chili pepper you can reduce pain associated with colds(e.g. it reduces the feeling of stuffy nose), inflammation, it can be used to stimulate blood flow, and also improve digestion ( Capsaicin contained in chili peppers irritates the gastric mucosa, increasing the secretion of gastric juices, which in turnincreases appetite and improves digestion ).However, they are not recommended for gastric ulcer disease.
Chili pepper - requirements
Chili pepper is a plant with extremely high thermal requirementsEven small frosts cause the plants to die completely. Temperature drops below 15 ° C during flowering and fruit setting lead to the shedding of flowers and fruit buds. Plants react similarly to strong gusts of wind. Thereforeto grow chili peppers, choose a warm and sheltered place
Different varieties of chili peppers
Fig. pixabay.com
The second extremely important factor is good lighting.Chili pepper is an extremely photophilic plant , and proper lighting is a prerequisite for the proper color of the fruit. Thereforethe place where the peppers are grown should be as sunny as possibleOnly young plants need to be protected from direct sunlight.
Another important thing is the correct moisture content of the substrate.Chili pepper has high water requirementsRequires a constantly moderately moist but well-drained substrate. The critical periods are seedling growth, flowering and fruiting. At these times, the water requirements of chili peppers are definitely increasing. Water shortage at the time of flower and fruit setting results in their shedding. It is equally dangerous to overflow plants, since their roots quickly rot under such conditions. Therefore,in the container where the chili pepper is grown, holes and drainage are necessary
Chili pepper - growing on the balcony
Fig. pixabay.com
The last but equally important issue is the nutritional requirements.Chili pepper requires regular and frequent fertilization(once every 1-2 weeks), preferably with biohumus, or grown in nutrient-rich soil.A good substrate for growing chili peppers in a pot is soil for tomatoesor universal soil mixed with coarse sand and enriched with compost in a ratio of 3: 1: 1.
Chili pepper - seed sowing and seedling production
Chili peppers are grown from seedlings . The production time for chili pepper seedlings should be 10 to 11 weeks. For this purpose, choose the best lit and warm position (the temperature of the emergence of peppers is 20-26 ° C).
Chili seeds are sown from mid-February to mid-Marchin boxes, multiplates or small pots in the apartment. To speed up germination, seeds can be soaked for 24 hours before sowing. in a warm place (e.g. on a shelf next to the stove). For this, the seeds are spread over a piece of a paper towel soaked in water.
Chili pepper in pots
Fig. pixabay.com
Chili pepper seeds are sown in containers of 2-3 pieces at a point, to a depth of about 0.5 cmFor the production of seedlings, compost soil or de-acidified garden peat mixed with universal soil and sand in equal proportions.It usually takes 1 to 6 weeks to emerge. Keep the substrate constantly slightly moist and moisten it with lukewarm water as soon as the top layer begins to dry out.
When germinating chillies, keep the temperature constantly between 20-26 ° CIf the plants emerge for too long, it is possible that they are grown in a place with too fluctuating temperature (e.g. near a frequently tilted window) . In such a situation, the containers should be moved to a place where it will be easier to provide the plants with optimal conditions.
When the chili peppers have grown a few centimeters highand produce 2-3 leaves, quench them into 4 x 4 cm containers. After about 3 weeks, replant the seedlings to larger containers. At this stage, the plants can be fertilized every 2 weeks.
People looking for high-qualitychili pepper seeds to grow in a garden or in pots , we recommend the store of our guide.We sell varieties of peppers that yield very well and are resistant to diseases and unfavorable growing conditions. By sowing these seeds, you will find out how easy it can be to grow chili peppers. To see the seeds offer, click on the image below.
Chili pepper - cultivation and care
Once the peppers have produced 6 well-developed leaves , they can be transplanted into pots with a minimum depth of 20 cm. One seedling is planted in a pot with a diameter of 13 - 15 cm, and two seedlings in a box with a width of 30 cm.Chili peppers are best grown in plastic potsinstead of ceramic pots, as they retain moisture longer and heat up faster.
After May 15, when the danger of frosts disappears and the outside temperature rises above 13 ° C,chili peppers can be moved to the balconyRemember, however, to harden the seedlings first.By the end of June, it is better to move the plants to the apartment for the night. Too low temperature at night (below 13 ° C) may adversely affect the blooming and fruiting of chili peppers.
Jalapeno - one of the varieties of chili pepper
Fig. pixabay.com
If daytime temperatures are below 15 ° C, the transfer of plants outside may be delayed until June. A good solution, especially in colder regions of the country, is to buy a miniature foil tunnel or a mini balcony greenhouse for the balcony, in whichchili pepper cultivation is more reliableSuch tunnels and greenhouses are relatively easily accessible.
However, if we decide to grow chilli peppers in pots without additional covers, I recommend planting herbs such as lovage and dill next to the pepper, whichwill protect the chilli pepperfrom drying winds and sun, and also improve its taste fruit.
Chili pepper can also be grown in the apartment on the windowsill , preferably on the south-west window.
An importantcare treatment in the cultivation of chili peppers is the removal ofplant tops. In this way, we will limit their growth and force them to thicken and bloom profusely. To increase the fruit yield, it is also recommended to remove the first flower.
A chili pepper grown in the apartment requires manual pollination of flowers(insects will do it on the balcony). The flowers are pollinated with a soft brush, gently shifting the pollen from the stamens to the pistil.
A chili pepper in a pot can also be a great decoration for your home. Photo pixabay.com
Chili pepper - collection
The harvest date for chilliesdepends on the variety. Usually it is from August to October.In red-fruited chilli varieties it is easy to tell when they are ready to be harvested (when they are intensely red in color), but in green fruited varieties it is more difficult.The readiness to harvest the fruit is checked by squeezing it with your fingersIf it is very hard, it means that it is still unripe. When the sides of the fruit bend easily under the pressure of your fingers, it is a sign that they are ready to be harvested.
Collect the peppers by cutting them with scissors right next to the stemHand picking may tear the plant from the ground. After harvesting, the peppers can be stored in the refrigerator for about 7 days. Chili pepper fruits are perfect for drying. You can hang them in the kitchen, creating an unusual decoration.
MSc Eng. Agnieszka Lach
