How to grow Chilli in New Zealand
Chillies range from mild and fruity to fiercely hot, and a single plant gives plenty for the kitchen. They need a long, warm season, so in most of New Zealand they are started indoors in late winter and planted out into the warmest, sunniest spot once the soil has warmed. In a sheltered northern garden or a glasshouse, plants can survive a mild winter and crop again.
📖 Our full guide: How to Grow Chilli in New Zealand
At a glance
When to sow by region
| Region | When to sow | Regional note |
|---|---|---|
| Northland | September to December | |
| Auckland | September to December | |
| Waikato & Bay of Plenty | September to December | |
| Central North Island | November and December | Needs warmth. Best in a tunnel house or in pots against a sunny wall. |
| Wellington & Lower North Island | October to December | |
| Nelson & Marlborough | October to December | |
| Canterbury | November and December | |
| Otago & Southland | November and December | |
| Central Otago | December |
Not to be confused with: Capsicum, the mild, sweet relative grown in exactly the same way.
Where to plant
Plant chillies in the warmest, sunniest spot you have, in well-drained soil enriched with compost and sheltered from wind. They are frost tender and stall in cold soil. In cool regions a glasshouse, tunnel house, or pots against a sunny wall give the best crops.
- Northland, Auckland, Waikato and Bay of Plenty: start seed indoors from August and plant out from September to December once the soil warms.
- Wellington and Nelson and Marlborough: plant out from October to December in a warm, sheltered spot.
- Central North Island: chillies need warmth. Plant out in November or December, best in a tunnel house or in pots against a sunny wall.
- Canterbury and Otago and Southland: plant out in November or December, ideally under cover.
- Central Otago: plant out in December; hot summers suit chillies if they are protected early and late in the season.
Choosing a variety
- Cayenne: long, tapering chillies to about 12 cm, medium heat (30,000 to 50,000 Scoville units), used fresh, dried or pickled.
- Jalapeño: thick-walled, medium heat, good fresh or pickled.
- Bird's Eye and Thai types: small, very hot fruit on prolific plants.
- Habanero: lantern-shaped fruit with fruity, intense heat (100,000 to 350,000 Scoville units); needs a long, warm season.
- Mild types such as Anaheim, Padrón and Shishito for those who want flavour without much heat.
How to plant
- Wear gloves when handling seed of very hot chillies.
- Sow seed about 6 mm deep in trays of seed raising mix from August to November, on a heat pad or in a warm spot. Bottom heat helps germination.
- Keep moist and warm; seedlings appear in 7 to 14 days.
- Pot on and grow in a warm, bright spot, then harden off and plant out once frosts are over, about 45 cm apart.
- Stake the plants to support the fruit load, and mulch with pea or lucerne straw.
Watering and feeding
Water regularly, keeping the soil evenly moist but not soggy. Uneven watering can cause blossom end rot.
Feed weekly with a liquid tomato fertiliser once flowering starts.
Pruning and care through the year
- Pick often, which encourages more flowers and fruit.
- In mild areas, plants can be kept over winter: before frosts, cut them back but leave some green leaves on each branch, and mulch well. Potted plants can be moved under cover.
- Cover young plants with fine insect mesh where tomato-potato psyllid is a problem.
Harvesting
Pick chillies green for a milder, grassier flavour, or leave them to ripen fully to red, orange or yellow for more sweetness and heat. Cut them off rather than pulling, to avoid breaking branches. Wash your hands after handling hot chillies, and keep them away from your eyes.
Chillies keep about a week on the bench or two weeks in the fridge. Dry or freeze them for months.
Growing in pots
Chillies do very well in pots, which can be moved to the warmest spot or under cover. Use a pot at least 25 to 30 cm wide and 30 cm deep, filled with quality potting mix, in full sun. Water and feed regularly.
Using it
Use chillies fresh in curries, stir-fries, salsas and sauces, pickle them, or dry and grind them into flakes and powder. Handle very hot varieties with gloves.
Companion planting
Chillies grow happily alongside other warm-season crops.
Good companions
- Basil A warm-season herb that likes the same conditions and fills the gaps.
- Tomato Same family and needs, though rotate the bed afterwards.
- Carrot A root crop that shares the bed without competing for space above ground.
- Marigold Brings beneficial insects to the bed.
Keep apart
Avoid planting these close to chilli.
Pests and diseases
Tomato-potato psyllid, aphids and whitefly are the main pests in New Zealand.
Pests to watch for
- Tomato potato psyllid Yellowing, purpling and cupped leaves, stunted plants and poor fruit set, with tiny jumping insects. Cover with fine mesh.
- Aphids Clusters of small insects on new growth.
- Whitefly Tiny white insects that fly up when disturbed, with sticky leaves.
- Slugs Ragged holes in young leaves and slime trails.
Diseases to watch for
- Anthracnose Sunken, dark, circular spots on ripening fruit, worst in warm, wet weather. Remove affected fruit.
- Blossom end rot Sunken, leathery patches at the tip of the fruit, from uneven watering.
Common questions
When do I plant chillies in New Zealand?
Sow seed indoors from August, then plant out once the soil is warm and frosts are over: from September in the north, October in Wellington and Nelson, and November or December in cooler regions.
Can chillies survive winter?
In frost-free gardens and glasshouses, yes. Cut plants back before frost, leaving some green leaves on each branch, and mulch well, or move potted plants under cover.
When should I pick chillies?
Green for a milder flavour, or fully ripe and coloured for more heat and sweetness. Pick often to keep plants producing.
Why are my chilli seeds not germinating?
They need warmth, 20 to 30°C. Use a heat pad or a warm spot indoors and be patient; some hot varieties are slow.
Can I grow chillies in a pot?
Yes, they are ideal in pots at least 25 to 30 cm wide in full sun. Pots can be moved under cover in cold weather.
How do I handle hot chillies safely?
Wear gloves when sowing and handling very hot varieties, wash your hands well afterwards and keep them away from your eyes.
Sources we checked: Yates NZ: How to grow chillies; Yates NZ: Common problems of chillies; Kings Seeds: Chilli Cayenne Flame; Kings Seeds: Chilli Hot Habanero Red.