An overripe chili will be red and beginning to shrivel a bit. Seeds from a chili that isn’t ripe yet may not germinate because the seeds aren’t mature. Dry the seeds by laying them out on a paper towel for several hours.
Chiles don’t do well in frost, which is why it’s important to wait until the threat of frost has completely passed for the season before you plant them outside. It takes the seeds 2-4 months to grow and produce fruit, which is why it’s important to start early.
Seedling trays are perfect for sowing seeds as you can fill each 1 in (2. 5 cm) cell with individual seeds and monitor their growth easily. Look for a seed starter soil blend, if desired.
You don’t need to press the seeds down in the soil. Use your fingers to place each seed in the soil.
When you water the seeds, the thin layer of soil on top should prevent the water from displacing the seeds. Still, water the seeds gently with a spray bottle or watering can to avoid disrupting them as they start.
Make sure the seeds get at least 6 hours of indirect sunlight a day. If your indoor conditions aren’t warm or bright enough, use a seed heating mat and a grow light, available from most garden stores. Consider using an indoor plastic greenhouse to help trap heat so the seeds can germinate.
If you press on the soil and it still feels light and airy yet wet, this is perfect; if you press on the soil and your finger sinks into it and moisture squeezes out, it’s too wet.
A warmer spot might be in a sunroom or right in front of a sunny window.
It should take roughly 1 month for the seedlings to grow tall enough to be transplanted. Feel free to place this pot outdoors instead of just inside the house.
Check the instructions on your compost to know how much to add to the soil.
If you’re setting the plant indoors on a table or windowsill, place a dish or tray underneath the pot to catch any excess water.
If you’re worried about damaging the roots with the shovel, use a spoon to gently move the soil.
Wherever you place your chili plant, make sure the temperature doesn’t drop below 15 °C (59 °F). Full sunlight is required to grow peppers, so you want to keep them outdoors for as long as possible.
If the soil is mushy or water is constantly draining from the pot, this is a sign that you’re overwatering the plant.
The liquid fertilizer will give even more nutrients to the plant. Look for a fertilizer that’s geared toward fruit production.
Chiles will turn red the longer they’re left on the plant, and their spiciness will increase with time as well. They’ll begin turning red several weeks after the green chiles are fully grown.
Pull on the plant gently to avoid damaging it.
Cut the chiles off when the plant is dry as opposed to wet to avoid spreading diseases.
It’s also a good idea to wash your hands right after touching the green chiles.
