Chilli Growing Myths
Growing chillies is exciting and rewarding and it's surrounded by myths that can mislead growers. Here are some common chilli growing myths and the truths behind them:
Myth 1: Chillies Need Full Sun All Day
Reality: While chillies thrive in sunny locations, they can also tolerate partial shade, especially in very hot climates. Too much intense sun without adequate water can lead to scorched leaves or stressed plants. Chillies generally need about 6-8 hours of sunlight daily for optimal growth.
Myth 2: The Smaller the Chilli, the Hotter It Is
Reality: Chilli heat is determined by the amount of capsaicin, not size. Some small chillies, like bird’s eye chillies, are extremely hot, but there are large chillies, like certain varieties of habanero, that are just as intense.
Myth 3: Overwatering Is Better Than Underwatering
Reality: Chillies prefer well-drained soil and consistent moisture, but overwatering can lead to root rot, fungal issues, and stunted growth. It's better to let the topsoil dry out slightly between waterings to avoid waterlogging.
Myth 4: You Can Tell a Chilli’s Heat by Its Colour
Reality: The colour of a chilli (green, red, orange, or yellow) indicates ripeness and variety, not necessarily heat. Some green chilies can be hotter than red ones, and some mild varieties remain hot regardless of colour.
Myth 5: Chillies Don’t Need Fertilizer
Reality: Chillies are moderate feeders and benefit from balanced fertilizers. A mix rich in potassium and phosphorus (for flowering and fruiting) and lower in nitrogen (to avoid excessive leafy growth) helps produce a bountiful harvest. Organic options like compost or seaweed extract work well, too.
Myth 6: Chillies Can Only Be Grown in Hot Climates
Reality: Chillies are adaptable and can grow in a variety of climates. In colder areas, they can be grown in greenhouses, indoors, or during warmer months. Hardy varieties, like jalapeños, can even tolerate cooler conditions.
Myth 7: Pinching Flowers Increases Chilli Size
Reality: Pinching early flowers can help young plants focus on growth and develop a stronger structure, but continually removing flowers won’t increase the size of the chillies. Instead, it may reduce overall yields.
Myth 8: The More You Stress the Plant, the Hotter the Chillies
Reality: There is some truth to this, as mild stress (like controlled drought) can increase capsaicin levels. However, excessive stress, like extreme drought, nutrient deficiencies, or pest infestations, can harm the plant and reduce yield.
Myth 9: Chillies Must Be Grown in the Ground
Reality: Chillies grow well in containers, raised beds, or the ground. Potted chillies offer flexibility in colder regions, as the plants can be moved indoors when temperatures drop.
Myth 10: Once the Chillies Ripen, the Plant Stops Producing
Reality: Many chilli plants will continue to flower and produce fruit as long as growing conditions are favorable. Regular harvesting encourages new growth and fruit production.
Myth 11: Cross-Pollination Between Chillies Will Make This Year’s Fruit Hotter or Milder
Reality: Cross-pollination doesn’t affect the heat or taste of the current season's fruit. It only impacts the seeds, which may result in hybrid plants with different characteristics in the next generation.
Myth 12: Chillies Must Be Planted Far Apart
Reality: While spacing chillies apart ensures good airflow and reduces disease risk, they can also be planted relatively close together in small spaces. Companion planting (e.g., with basil or marigolds) can help with pest control.
Myth 13: You Can’t Grow Chillies Indoors
Reality: Chillies can grow well indoors if provided with adequate light. A south-facing window or grow lights can ensure healthy plants and fruiting. Some compact varieties are perfect for indoor spaces.
Myth 14: Chillies Won’t Survive After a Year
Reality: Chillies are perennials in warm climates and can survive multiple years if protected from frost. Pruning and overwintering indoors or in a greenhouse can extend their lifespan in colder regions.
Myth 15: Sprinkling Chilli Powder Around the Plant Keeps Pests Away
Reality: While capsaicin in chillies can deter some pests, sprinkling chilli powder around plants isn’t highly effective. It may even harm beneficial insects and irritate gardeners handling the soil.
Myth 16: All Chillies Are Hot
Reality: Not all chillies are spicy. Varieties like bell peppers or sweet bananas are examples of chillies with no heat at all. Heat depends on capsaicin levels, which vary by type.
Myth 17: If Chillies Don’t Ripen, They’re Ruined
Reality: Green chillies are simply unripe versions of the same fruit and are still edible. In fact, many cuisines prefer the flavor of green chillies. To ripen them, you can leave them on the plant longer or harvest and place them in a warm, sunny spot indoors.
Myth 18: Chillies Need Daily Watering
Reality: Chillies don’t require daily watering unless conditions are extremely dry. Overwatering can lead to root problems. A deep, consistent watering schedule works best.
Myth 19: Bigger Leaves Mean Healthier Plants
Reality: While healthy foliage is important, oversized leaves can indicate overfeeding with nitrogen, which may reduce flower and fruit production.
Myth 20: Chillies Stop Growing Once They Flower
Reality: Chilli plants continue to grow even after flowering, especially in the right conditions. They can produce new branches, flowers, and fruits simultaneously.
