Chilli is grown for the fresh green market, for drying into red chilli, and for the colour and pungency the spice trade asks for. Hybrids are bred for long, uniform fruit, high early yield and plants that keep bearing over a long season.
Growing notes
Chilli is nursery-raised and transplanted. It needs warm weather, well-drained soil and careful water management — waterlogging is the most common cause of plant loss. Green fruit is picked over several flushes; red fruit is left to ripen fully on the plant.
- Transplant at 35–40 days
- Pick green fruit every 7–10 days
- Dry red fruit on clean surfaces, away from soil