High-spiciness chili with thick skin, suitable for long-distance transport and dried chili production.
Preparation
Chilies originate from warm climates and need a long, hot growing season. Choose the sunniest spot in your garden. The soil must be free-draining; if your soil is heavy clay, plant in raised beds or mounds to prevent waterlogging.
How to Grow Red Chili
- Materials: Seed trays, starting mix, stakes or cages, and liquid fertilizer.
- Method: Start seeds indoors or in a sheltered nursery tray. Sow 0.5cm deep. Keep the mix moist and warm. Germination takes 7-14 days.Transplant seedlings to the field after 4-5 weeks when they have at least 4 true leaves. Space plants 50cm apart. As the plants grow and develop heavy fruit loads, support them with stakes or cages to prevent branches from snapping.
How to Harvest
- Harvest usually begins 80-85 days after planting.
- For "Magma Hot," harvest when the fruits have turned a deep, glossy red for maximum heat.
- Cut the stem with scissors/pruners rather than pulling, which can damage the brittle branches.
Common Problems
- Anthracnose causes sunken, dark spots on fruit, especially in wet weather. Use mulch to stop soil splashing onto leaves.
- Gemini Virus causes yellowing and curling leaves; this is spread by whiteflies, so control pests early with sticky traps or neem oil.
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