How to grow chili peppers in the garden or on the balcony – a beginner's guide

September 4, 2025

Chili peppers are not only a spectacular ingredient in the kitchen, but also an easy-to-grow plant full of color and personality. If you want to make your mark in the kitchen with your own crops, the good news is that you don't need acres of land - a few square meters of garden or even pots on the balcony are enough.

This guide is dedicated to beginners who want to learn step by step how to get started, from choosing seeds to the final harvest.

1. Choosing chili pepper varieties

The first step is to decide what type of chili pepper you want to grow. There are hundreds of varieties, and they differ in:

Hotness level – measured in Scoville Heat Units (SHU).
- The mildest: Jalapeño (2,500–8,000 SHU).
- Mediums: Cayenne, Thai, Habanero (30,000–350,000 SHU).
- Extremes: Carolina Reaper, Trinidad Scorpion (over 1,000,000 SHU).
Shape and size – small and round (Pimento), long and thin (Cayenne) or exotic (Fatalii, Ghost Pepper).
Color – bright red, yellow, orange, purple or even black.

👉 Beginner tip: start with milder varieties (Jalapeño, Cayenne, Padron) and, as you gain experience, you can move on to super-hot.

2. Where and how you can grow chili peppers

Chili peppers are sun-loving, heat- loving plants. You can choose from two main varieties:

🌱 In the garden

Choose a place with sun exposure for at least 6–8 hours a day.
The soil should be well-drained , rich in nutrients, with a slightly acidic pH (6–6.8).
Avoid places where water stagnates, because the roots can rot.

On the balcony (in pots or planters)

Choose pots that are at least 20–25 cm in diameter , with drainage holes.
Use a quality vegetable substrate or universal soil mixed with perlite/sand.
Black pots retain heat better, but in the summer they must be protected to prevent overheating.

👉 The advantage of growing in pots is that you can move the plants depending on the weather and protect them more easily.

3. Germination and seedlings

Chili peppers need high temperatures for germination (25–30°C).

How to germinate:

The seeds are placed in warm water 12–24 hours beforehand to stimulate germination.
Sow in a fine, moist substrate at a depth of 0.5–1 cm.
The containers are covered with transparent foil or a lid to maintain humidity.
Germination takes between 7–21 days, depending on the variety.

Seedling care:

After the first leaves appear, provide bright light (sun or plant lamp).
Water moderately – the substrate should be moist, but not soaked.
After 4–6 weeks, when they have 4–6 true leaves, the seedlings are moved to individual pots.

👉 Important: hardening off seedlings – before planting outside, accustom the plants to the open air (a few hours a day, gradually increasing the duration).

4. Planting

In the garden:

Seedlings are planted after the risk of frost has passed (usually in May).
Distance between plants: 40–50 cm.
Add compost or manure for a good start.

In pots:

Plant 1 seedling/pot.
Ensure good drainage (layer of gravel or shards at the base).
You can use support sticks for taller varieties.

5. Plant care

Chili peppers are not picky, but they respond well to constant attention.

Watering:

The soil should be kept moist, but not soaked.
Water in the morning or evening, avoiding the leaves (to prevent fungal diseases).

Fertilization:

In the growth phase: nitrogen-rich fertilizers.
In the flowering and fruiting phase: fertilizers with phosphorus and potassium.
You can use compost, compost tea, or liquid fertilizers.

Cutting and pinching:

Pinching the central tip (when the plant is 20–30 cm) stimulates branching.
Remove diseased or dry leaves for better air circulation.

6. Problems and pests

Even though they are hardy, chili peppers can have a few problems:

Aphids (plant lice): twisted, sticky leaves. Combat with natural solutions (soap water, nettle maceration).
Red spider mite: pale leaves with yellow dots. It is controlled by spraying with water and organic treatments.
Rot: caused by overwatering. Prevented by good drainage and proper watering.

👉 Trick: plant basil or marigolds next to peppers – they repel pests and attract pollinators.

7. Harvesting

Hot peppers can be picked:

Green – they have a rawer, spicier taste.
Ripe (red, yellow, orange): have full flavor and usually a more intense spiciness.

Harvesting is done with scissors or a small knife, so as not to injure the plant. The more often you pick, the more you stimulate the appearance of new fruits.

8. Storage and use

After harvesting, peppers can be:

Eat fresh in salads, sauces or dishes.
Dry in the sun or in a dehydrator, then turn into powder.
Freeze – whole or chopped.
Preserve in vinegar, oil, or turn into pickles and sauces.

9. Advantages of growing chili peppers

Decorative: colorful plants look gorgeous on the balcony.
Productive: from a few plants you can get dozens of peppers.
Versatile: they can be consumed in countless ways.
Healthy: capsaicin has benefits for metabolism and immunity.

10. Tips for beginners

Don't overdo it with watering – that's the most common mistake.
Don't plant outside too early – the cold stops their growth.
Choose 2–3 different varieties for variety in taste and color.
Be patient – some varieties (e.g. Habanero, Carolina Reaper) take 100–120 days to reach maturity.

Growing chili peppers, whether in your garden or on your balcony, is a rewarding activity. Not only will you have a constant supply of fresh spices, but you'll also have a relaxing gardening experience. Plus, nothing beats the feeling of cooking a hot sauce or spicy dish using peppers you've grown yourself.

So, if you're a beginner, don't be afraid to experiment. With a little attention and passion, you'll find that chili peppers are friendly, resilient, and incredibly rewarding in the end. 🌶️