Chili

chilli growing guide

What is this Action Sheet about?

Action Sheet 5

This Action Sheet is a guide to growing bird’s eye or Tabasco chilli written by the Elephant Pepper Trust in Livingstone, Zambia. Chilli can be grown anywhere that is not prone to frost. They do well in areas which are warmer with temperatures ranging from 21°C –26°C in soils which are deep, wellaerated and well-drained sandy to clay loams are fine. It is good crop that can be grown on small scale. This crop falls in the same family as tomatoes, potatoes and tobacco. The scientific name is Solanaceae. So when growing them you should avoid mixing or growing next to each other since diseases and pests that affect them are the same. It is advised to grow them far away from each other. Site Selection, Soils and Temperatures. G Chillies do prefer areas that warmer and not prone to frost and access to water. The optimal field capacity moisture content is 60% but does not do well in water logging areas since it has shallow roots. G The optimum pH scale range is 6.0-7.0(CaC12) G Optimum temperatures ranges from 21°C - 26°C and temperatures below 10°C it ceases to grow. Temperatures higher than 38°C the crop is susceptible to fruit and flower abortion. G The chilli is a perennial plant that can survive for three seasons and it is advisable to cut off during the wintertime for it to prepare for the rain season or irrigation. Seedbed Management. G G G G G G G G G G G Seeds from EPDT are recommended for optimum germination. Deep, well-aerated and well-drained soils are recommended. Avoid water logging areas. Site to be cultivated to a fine tilth. Burn the seedbed area to kill all weeds seeds and bacteria & viruses in the ground. Seedbed dimensions recommended are 10 x 1,2m. Water should be from clean sources to avoid nematodes and weeds in the seedbed. Keep the beds wet until germination is complete. The seedbeds can be fertilised with animal dung if available. Hardening off is advised when seedlings...