India is the largest producer, consumer and exporter of chilli. (Pic Credit: Unsplash)
Chillies stand as one of India's most prized crops, deeply embedded in various culinary traditions as a key ingredient in curries, chutneys, and a plethora of other dishes. Originating from Mexico, with a secondary root in Guatemala, chillies found their way to India via Portuguese traders in Goa during the 17th century, swiftly spreading across the subcontinent.
For optimal growth, chilli plants require warm, humid climates, with dry weather aiding in fruit maturation. Temperatures between 20-25°C are ideal, while frost poses a threat to the plants. Well-drained, loamy soil with a pH range of 6.5-7.5 rich in organic matter serves as the perfect medium for cultivation.
For those interested in growing chillies at home, here's a simplified guide:
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Harvest mature chillies or purchase them to obtain mature seeds for better germination. Here mature chillies mean those which are red. You can opt for green chilli if you don’t have red chilli or simply just wait for green chillies to dry a little bit.
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Extract seeds from the chillies.
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Prepare a small pot with drainage holes, filling it with a mix of 70% organic compost, 30% fine sand, and seed starting mix.
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Gently press the potting mix and moisten it before sowing the seeds.
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Sprinkle seeds evenly, cover lightly with potting mix, and press gently again.
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Water gently to avoid disturbing the seeds.
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Seeds should germinate within 8-12 days.
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Transplant seedlings with intact root balls to larger pots or the ground when they have 3-4 true leaves.
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Relocate it in the morning to minimize shock.
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Use a mix of garden soil, organic compost, and coco peat for larger pots.
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Plant multiple seedlings in a single pot for better pollination, spacing them appropriately.
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Water immediately after transplanting and monitor soil moisture.
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Pinch top growth to encourage bushiness and more fruit production.
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Provide 5-6 hours of sunlight daily.
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Feed plants with organic compost every 18-20 days.
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Aid pollination by gently shaking flowers.
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Remove weeds regularly.
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Harvest chillies according to ripeness, typically after 55-57 days.
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Chillies are perennial and become more productive in subsequent years which means they are more productive in their second year than their first year.
With these easy steps, you can cultivate chillies, ensuring a fresh and bountiful harvest for your culinary adventures.
