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Size of Chili Plants

Huge Chili-Plant

Perennial Lemon Drop plants reach 2 m already in the first year. Tabasco and Dorset Naga shrubs grow in warm climates in the garden 3 meters high.

In India the breeder Bhagwan Bowlekare managed to grow his Capsicum annuum Chili to a size of more than 5 meters. No chemicals were used, but the plant was supported by tying.

NuMex Big Jim is the largest chili variety in the world and is listed in the Guinness Book of Records. However, not because of the actual plant size, but because the heaviest chili in the world has grown on it. NuMex Big Jim is registered with a paprika fruit of 290 g.

In a later competition for the largest pepper, the winner achieved a length of 34.5 cm.

Further varieties of impressive size are Rocoto Large, Bishops Crown, Rocoto Manzano and many varieties which bear the name “Giant”.

Optimal conditions

In order for your chillies to grow nicely, all conditions must be right to the point. The choice of location depends primarily on the light. The longer the sun shines directly, the better it is for growth. A house wall or stones nearby store heat during the day and release it again at night. Wet soil and cold disturb the growth phase. The soil must be deep, loose and rich in nutrients.

Root space

Only when chillies have enough space to root in the soil will they reach a stately size. In the garden, prepare the soil by digging deep around the bed. 40 litres and more is better as a plant pot for particularly large chilli varieties. The pot size has an important influence on the plant size.

Fertilizing

Organic or organic fertilizers supply the plants ideally with nutrients. Not too much at once, but continuous. Choose a fertilizer with slightly more nutrients than usual. A ratio of NPK 7-3-10 allows chillies to thrive well.

Soil moisture

To be proud of particularly large and tasty chillies, you need to keep the soil evenly moist, but never wet. With an irrigation system this is sometimes easier to do.

Especially on hot sunny days when you can’t water every few hours. Another help is to spread mulch on the ground. This prevents the moisture from evaporating due to direct sunlight.

Tethering

Many chili plants grow bushy or like Rocotos deep along the ground. To give the chillies a beautiful shape, it is tied to a plant rod. Do not tie the flower wire or rope too tightly. Regular readjustment will bring the chilli into the shape you would like it to be.

Impressive was a Birgits Locoto chili plant which came with this method to about 3.5 meters height. Typically the plant is only about one meter high.

A tie prevents the plant from buckling when the load is too high due to its fruits. This measure also protects against wind damage.

Distance

Keep a good distance to other plants. It should be at least two meters. Good neighboring plants that promote the growth of chillies are basil.

Overall, you should avoid any form of stress. Pay attention to water requirements, nutrient requirements and keep pests away.

Tips for strong plants and huge harvests.

  • If you attach importance to a particularly splendid chili plant, remove a part of the buds from which blooms develop.
  • Your plant will invest a lot of energy in the fruit. You can control this growth power by cutting off the flowers.
  • You can harvest your giant chillies with a sharp knife, which will damage the plant as little as possible.