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Spicy
food and exotic dishes just wouldn’t be the same without
the zing of the hot chilli, those fiery relatives of the sweet
capsicum.
These ornamental plants are easy to grow in the vegetable
garden and they also perform extremely well in pots where
they liven up verandahs, patios and balconies with their abundant
crops of scarlet, green, purple and yellow fruits.
There are hundreds of varieties of chillis from which to choose,
ranging from the mildest ‘Anaheim’, and ‘Fiesta’
to the fiery ‘Habanero’ and ‘Tabasco’
types. They can be used fresh, dried, pickled or powdered.
Chillies are related to tomatoes and eggplants and love warm
weather and regular watering. They can be grown from seed
or bought as seedlings, but whichever you choose, there are
some important tips for producing bountiful crops.
Chillies thrive in full sun, and although they will grow in
semi-shade they won’t produce as many fruits, so make
sure you position your pot in a sunny area away from strong
winds.
Select a pot at least 30cm (12 in) wide and fill it with a
good quality potting mix such as Searles® Vegetable &
Herb Potting Mix. Seeds can be sown direct or seedlings can
be transplanted into the pot and watered well.
Chillies require constant moisture to produce their small,
white flowers, which later develop into the fruit we eat.
During average summer weather conditions they will need watering
two to three times a week, (although this may vary from area
to area depending on soil type, wind exposure and rainfall)
paying particular attention to your watering regime during
flowering through to fruit set.
To promote better growth and more flowers and fruit, fertilise
weekly with Searles® Fish & Kelp Plus, a well-balanced
formula that promotes good root and plant development.
When the chillies are mature they can be picked and added
to your favourite casserole, curry or stir fry, or eaten fresh
in salads and dips. Ripe chillies are rich in vitamins A and
C, so they’re not only delicious but they’re good
for you too. |
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So
remember
• Use a pot at least 30cm wide and position in full sun
• Plant into Searles® Vegetable & Herb Potting Mix
• Water regularly and fertilise weekly with Searles®
Fish & Kelp Plus. |
Growing
chillies in pots is as easy as that.
Happy Gardening with Searles from the Searle family.
© Copyright 2002 JC & AT
Searle Pty Ltd
You may make a copy of this Fact Sheet for your personal,
non-commercial use only. Please do not make any other use
of this Fact Sheet without first obtaining our permission. |
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