Quick summary

Thai chilli pepper (Also know as Bird’s eye chili, bird eye chili orbird’s chili)

• Originally from Mexico but brought to South East Asia in the 60th or 17th century.
• Hot & Fruity
• Ideal for Thai & Vietnamese recipes – curries, stir-fries, sauces & salads.
• About 60 to 70 cm high
• Days from seed to harvest – about 150 (6 months)

Method 1

Grow Thai chilli pepper outdoors (garden, balcony, etc.)

The peppers prefer direct sunlight, well drained soil and need to be frost free.

If you want to grow them outdoors then the best option is to

• start them indoors about 8 to 12 weeks before the last frost
• and then transfer them when the nights are warmer.

If growing outdoors then sow from mid February to mid June. The temperature, moisture, and air circulation all play a role in growing plants from seeds. Too little heat, too much moisture, and lack of air circulation will cause poor results.

2 key tips

1. Do not use jiffy peat pots, plugs, or potting soil as the soil becomes too dry or too wet, which can lead to low germination, disease and fungus.

Fill small cells or trays with a good sterile seed compost and sow the seeds on the surface. “Just cover” with a fine sprinkling (3mm) of soil or vermiculite. Keep the compost moist – don’t let the top of the compost dry out (a common cause of germination failure)

2. Use a heat mat – like the one picured.

They can be grown easily from seed but it’s very important to provide the right amount of moisture and to thin them out as they grow. The heat mat will help them grow a lot faster.

Fully grown they can be up to 60 to 70 cm in height i.e. an individual pot might be the best option.

Grow Thai chilli pepper indoors (hydroponics or aquaponics)

Because of the importance of moisture and light the peppers are ideally suited for hydroponics with additional lights.

Not only are they easier to grow, but you will also get fast results.

For example a simple unit (like the one pictured) is a very easy way to grow them indoors