Live & Grow Issue 49

Capsicums
and Chillies
You will find our vegetable section brimming with capsicums and chillies
this spring and summer. Our growing department in Christchurch has
been trialling and tasting new ranges for the past few years to bring you
the pepper family champions.
GROWING AND LOCATION:
When planting, use Oderings Shrub
& Tub Mix, and feed with Total
Replenish. Capsicums and chillies
are fond of pots with a volume of at
least 15 litres to get their root systems
warmed up. If you choose to plant
directly into the garden, make sure
they are not too wet and keep them
weed-free.
When planting early in the season, be
aware of frosts and, where possible,
place the plant against the house
facing full north. Make a cloche with
stakes and Mikroclima; this material
can be removed later once frosts
have passed, and it helps to protect
from strong, cold winds. This is
important to intensify the heat for
the hottest chillies if you want the
maximum scoville rating.
WATERING & CROWN BUD:
Initially, try to keep plants from getting
too wet. As the days get hotter, more
water will be required, especially when
the fruits begin swelling. As your plant
grows into a bush, the
growth will create a
fork shape; this is
where the crown
flower (first flower)
will form. If these
first flowers are
not removed, they
will stunt your plant’s
growth as the plant then
puts all its energy into that one fruit.
PESTS & DISEASES:
Prevention is key. Upon planting, apply
neem granules around the plant base
and reapply every 4-6 weeks for a safe
pest deterrent. If insects are present,
use a pyrethrum-based spray.
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