Encouraging Treats

Categories: In the Garden

How to Grow Long Chilis

This type of chili is also known as Siling Pansigang here in the Philippines. It takes around 4-5 months before the plant starts to produce fruit. In case you want to try growing your own chilis at home, here are some of the things you can consider doing. :)

Tips on Growing Long Chilis:

1. CONTAINER

I sowed my seeds in small paper cups, kept the soil moist each day, and waited for them to grow 3″ high, before transferring to their final containers. The final pots I used were 15″ high and 9” wide, with holes at the bottom. It’s important to have only one plant per pot, to avoid overcrowding of roots. One plant can grow at least 25” high and 12” wide. Also, if you’re growing it directly in the ground, you can leave at least 18″ of space in between plants.

2. SUNLIGHT

Expose them to direct sunlight at least 6 hours each day, to help speed up the process.

3. WATER

Depending on how hot the weather is, you may apply deep watering every other day. Those grown in containers have soil that dry out more quickly, than those planted in the ground. Also, overwatering may cause the chilis to have a milder flavor.

4. SOIL

I grew mine in loam soil + potting mix (carbonized rice hull, vermicast, and cocopeat)

5. FERTILIZER

Feed at least once a month. I used chicken manure and fish / kelp liquid fertilizer (diluted) — high in Phosphorus, to promote flowering and fruiting.

6. SUPPORT

Stake the plants as they grow. I used thin bamboo sticks. This will prevent their main stem from bending or snapping.

7. PESTS

Aphids, mealybugs, and spidermites. These are the pests that I encountered. I used a Neem oil solution spray every week or every two weeks, depending on the situation.

8. HARVEST

You may harvest the green chilis once they are 4-6” long. Harvest often, so the plant will be encouraged to produce more flowers and fruits.

9. SEED SAVING

For future planting, you can let the chilis ripen on the vine, until they turn red and start to wrinkle. Then, you can harvest them and use the seeds for your next batch of plants. Also, if you want to store your seeds, you can let the harvested chilis dry completely in a cool and dry place. Make sure to wear gloves when removing the seeds, since the capsaicin (active component of chilis) can cause a burning sensation on the skin.