When green chillies are released into hot oil, they give off a beautiful fresh aroma. Whether used in tempering, where they are fried in oil along with mustard seeds, cumin, and other spices to release their flavour and aroma, forming the base of many traditional dishes, they can also be slit and used whole or chopped into fine pieces or ground into a paste.
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Green chillies find their place in many recipes in Indian cooking. In Maharashtra a fiery chutney called Thecha is made using Green chillies and eaten served with jowar bhakris. They are rich in vitamins A and C, and they also contain capsaicin, the compound responsible for their heat, which has numerous health benefits, including boosting metabolism and providing pain relief.
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Growing green chillies at home is surprisingly easy, making them a popular choice for home gardeners. They thrive in warm climates and require minimal space, so they can be grown in gardens or even in pots on a balcony. With just a little care—ensuring they get plenty of sunlight, regular watering, and occasional feeding with a balanced fertiliser—green chilli plants can produce a bountiful harvest. They usually mature in about 60-90 days after planting. Follow these easy tips to grow chillies at home.
Know The Varieties Available
The first step in growing green chillies is selecting the right variety. There are numerous types of green chillies, each varying in heat level, size, and flavour. Some popular varieties include Indian Jwala, Thai Green, and Serrano. If you’re a beginner, start with a variety that’s best-suited as per the local climate. You can buy seeds from a nursery or online, or even use seeds from dried chillies you already have at home.
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Preparing the Soil
Green chillies thrive in well-drained, fertile soil with a pH level between 6.0 and 7.5. Begin by selecting a sunny spot in your garden, as chillies require at least 6-8 hours of sunlight daily. If you’re growing chillies in pots, choose containers that are at least 10-12 inches deep.
Prepare the soil by mixing in organic compost or well-rotted manure to improve fertility and drainage.Make sure the soil is loose and crumbly, as compacted soil can hinder root growth.
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Sowing the Seeds Indoors
If you are sowing the seeds indoors, fill seed trays or small pots with a seed-starting mix. Sow the seeds about 1/4 inch deep and cover them lightly with soil. Water the seeds gently and keep the soil consistently moist. Place the trays or pots in a warm location with temperatures between 24-29°C. You’ll see seedlings emerge in 7-14 days. Once they develop 2-3 true leaves, they can be transplanted into larger pots or into the garden.
Sowing the Seeds Outdoors
If you are planning to plant the seeds directly in the garden the soil temperature should be at least 16°C. Sow the seeds 1/4 inch deep and 18-24 inches apart. Water the seeds regularly and keep the soil moist until the seedlings emerge.
If you started your seeds indoors, they should be ready for transplanting 4-6 weeks after sowing, once they have developed a strong root system. When transplanting, dig a hole slightly larger than the root ball, place the seedling in the hole, and gently firm the soil around it. Water the plants thoroughly after transplanting to help them settle in.
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Caring for Your Green Chilli Plants
Green chillies are relatively low-maintenance, but they do require some care to thrive. Water the plants regularly, especially during dry spells. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged, as too much water can cause root rot. Water at the base of the plants to avoid wetting the leaves, which can lead to fungal diseases.
Feed the plants with a balanced fertiliser or a high-potassium fertiliser every 4-6 weeks to encourage healthy growth and fruiting. Apply a layer of organic mulch, such as straw or compost, around the base of the plants to conserve moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.
Prune the plants by pinching off the growing tips when they reach about 12 inches in height. Remove any yellowing or damaged leaves to keep the plant healthy.
Common pests include aphids, whiteflies, and spider mites. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil to control these pests. Keep an eye out for signs of fungal diseases and treat affected plants with appropriate fungicides if necessary.
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Harvesting Green Chillies
Green chillies are typically ready to harvest 60-90 days after planting, depending on the variety. Harvest the chillies when they are firm and have reached their full size, usually 2-4 inches long.
Use scissors or a sharp knife to cut the chillies from the plant, leaving a small stem attached. Harvesting regularly encourages the plant to produce more chillies. If you prefer a milder flavour, pick the chillies while they’re still green. For a spicier taste, allow them to ripen on the plant until they turn red.