Forget visiting markets, grow chillies easily at your home
Nursery Desk
New Delhi: Talking about Indian Cuisine, it’s always incomplete without that ‘Tikhi Mirch’. Your meal is ‘phika’ without mirch i.e.,‘tikha’. But how will you deal when your vegetable vendor, whom you asked for free chillies, can no more afford to give it for free. Yes, you read it right, the prices of chillies have hiked with other vegetables. This is because of the growing demand and limited supply of chilli in the market.
But why to worry when you can easily grow chillies in pots at your home garden or balcony. Add its spicy and fiery flavours to your cooking and enhance the taste of your dishes.
Go through the article to get an easy and detailed guide on how to select the right varieties and growing healthy and productive chilli plants.
Which are the Right Varieties of Chillies
India is fortunate to have a wide variety of chilli, each with a distinct flavour and level of heat. The spiciness of Bhut Jolokia, the scent of Kashmiri peppers, and the adaptability of Byadgi peppers are common selections. Keep in mind about the size, color, and level of heat that you prefer when choosing chilli seeds or seedlings. Additionally, be sure the kind you select can be grown in containers, as certain chillies need more room for growth.
Selection of the Ideal Pot for chilli plant
It is vital to choose container wisely for the cultivation of chillies. Pots with minimum diameter of 12 to 16 inches and appropriate drainage holes should be chosen to avoid waterlogging. Plastic or terracotta pots allows for adequate moisture control and airflow, therefore appropriate to be chosen. Use vertical gardening methods like hanging baskets to save space.
How to prepare the Potting Mix
Organically rich, well-draining soil is ideal for growing chillies. For an ideal potting mix, compost, garden soil, and cocopeat should all be combined in equal amounts. This combination offers the required nutrients and maintains moisture without becoming soggy. You can also buy a ready-made potting mix designed especially for vegetable gardening, which is widely accessible in garden centres as an alternative.
How to Sow or Transplant
Plant the seeds of chillies in seed trays and little pots filled with potting soil. Usually, seedlings takes 10 to 14 days to appear, till them keep them at warm and sunny location. When the seedlings are 3 to 4 inches tall, transplant it into the selected pots, making sure to leave enough room between each plant. If you’re using seedlings, delicately transplant them into the pots that have been prepared, taking care not to sever the roots.
How to Take Care of Chillies Plant
Regular watering is necessary for chillies, however excessive watering should be avoided as it can cause root rot. Water the plants, when the top inch of soil seems dry. 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight of per day is necessary for chillies. A balanced organic fertilizer should be fed every two weeks to encourage healthy growth of chillies. Continually keep an eye out for pests and diseases and take the necessary precautions to control them.
It’s time to harvest and enjoy
As the harvest time comes closer, the chilli plants will develop and display a stunning variety of colors. Chilies can be harvested while still green or let to ripen till the appropriate color, depending on the variety. When harvesting the chillies, make a precise cut close to the stem using a pair of sharp scissors or pruners. Use these cultivated chillies in your favourite Indian cuisine to get the true flavours.
So now, follow the mentioned steps and easily grow chillies in your home garden. Use it in a plenty amount and enjoy its taste without caring about market prices.
