Chili Propagation

Growing

• Below 15°C - Growth is slow
• 18.5°C - ~31°C - fruit formation
• Soil: Preferably well-drained, sandy or silt-loam
• Location: Sunny but well-sheltered

Germination

• Sowing Depth - About 2 cm
• Germination Temperatur - 20-30°C, try to keep temperature constant
• Germination Time: Varies, can take up to a month (Habaneros)
• Cover to allow ventilation
• At no time allow compost to dry out
• water (boiled and left to stand for 24 hours so that any chlorine dissapates) with a spray 

Propagation

• If seedlings emerge take out from cover and place in full sunlight
• Treat with Seaweed extract or equivalent once a week
• Transplant to ~8cm  diameter pot (--> 12cm then 15cm)
• cover with moist compost to just below the first set of true leaves as this encourages the development of extra roots
• Place the tip of a matchstick in the pot to provide sulphur
• Sandy soil for drainage

Transplanting

• Once temperatures are stable above 10°C
• Harden off plants by placing them outside for short intervals and gradually increasing exposure
• Transplant either in 20cm diameter pots or into well-drained soil

Preparing Soil

• Don't plant in disease-affected areas
• Clear weeds (also to prevent spread of disease)
• Work the soil to a fine tilth and work in either rotted manure or good quality compost
• Apply Mulch
• Continue Using Seaweed Spray
• Pinching out the plants at required height will cause the plant to bush out

Tips

• Grow marigolds and other yellow flowers along side your chili plants to attract natural aphid predators
• Companion planting : basil , dill , chives and chervil all repel aphids. No aphids, fewer ants! 
• Grow coriander: not only does it ward off aphids, it can also be turned into a spray to kill spidermites
• Avoid growing peppers on land recently used to grow potatoes∞, tomatoes∞ or aubergine (egg plant)