Follow our guide on How to Grow Hawaiian Chili Pepper Plant and relish a colorful harvest in your home!
Are you fond of the hot and spicy flavor in your dishes? If yes, then grow Hawaiian Chili Pepper Plants in pots for a fresh harvest!
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Hawaiian Chili Pepper Plant Information
Hawaiian Chilli Pepper belongs to the Solanaceae family. This plant originated in Mexico and is native to South and Central America. Many cultivars worldwide are used for traditional medicine and cooking.
Hawaiian Chili Peppers are usually similar to the typical red chili peppers but are smaller and spicier. It ranges between 50,000-70,000 on the Scoville scale. These Hawaiian Chili Peppers, despite their popularity, are not readily available in supermarkets.
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How Long Does A Hawaiian Chili Pepper Plant Take To Bear Fruit?
Although it always depends on the variety, most of them mature in 70-150 days. For sweeter ones, you can typically harvest in 60-90 days. If you want it hot, it will take 100-150 days.
Propagating Hawaiian Chili Pepper Plant
Hawaiian Chili Peppers can be quickly started from seed. It usually takes 10-14 days for the seeds to germinate. You can also grow them from cuttings, by snipping off a 4-6 inches long stem and planting it in well-draining soil.
Requirements for Growing Hawaiian Chili Pepper Plant
Location
For best growth and flavor, make sure Hawaiian Chili Pepper gets a minimum of 4-6 hours of bright and direct sunlight every day. The more it gets, the better it will be for better, bigger, and spicier yields.
Avoid growing it in any shaded space as it will make the plant leggy.
Soil
The best soil for Hawaiian Chili Pepper is good quality potting soil with good drainage. Add 1-2 handfuls of coco coir, perlite, or vermiculite to the mix for better drainage.
You can also add well-rotted manure or compost in the combination of peat moss/coco peat and vermiculite or perlite (alternatively, sand).
Adding 5-10 grams of neem cake at the time of planting will protect the young plant from soil-borne diseases and pests.
Have a look at how the Earthworms help the soil here
Water
It is ideal for keeping the soil evenly moist as the plant needs plenty of water; the growing medium should never dry out completely.
Keep an eye on the topsoil and water the plant when it feels a little dry to the touch. Also, avoid wetting the foliage as overhead watering may cause fungal infection.
Temperature And Humidity
The optimum seed germination happens above 68 F (20 C). It can tolerate temperatures up to 95 F (35 C) and down to 50 F (10 C) easily.
The ideal growing temperature is between 70-90 F (21-32C).
Hawaiian Chili Pepper Plant Care
Fertilizer
Growing Hawaiian Chili Pepper is very much like tomatoes so bear the fact in mind that these plants are heavy feeders. You’ll need to feed the plant every 2-3 weeks. Avoid using nitrogen-rich fertilizer as it will result in more foliage.
The best is to use a balanced liquid fertilizer, diluted to 1/2 of its strength, once in 2-3 weeks. You can also use Epsom salt (2tsp/gallon water at the time of watering) to improve the health and yield.
Pruning
Once the Hawaiian Chili Pepper is 6-8 inches tall, clip the growing tip to promote a bushier plant. Remove any flowers that bloom early, reducing the plant’s overall energy.
Pests and Diseases
Be careful about common diseases like rotting, mildew, bacterial spots, and pests like spider mites and aphids. Consult an expert to know the best action in case of severe infestation.
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Harvesting Hawaiian Chili Pepper
The Hawaiian Chili Pepper takes 80-100 days to prepare for harvest. Once you can see the bright red fruits, you can snip them off the plant.
You can dry the peppers by spreading them on a clean, soft cloth outdoors in the sun and air. Flip sides every day to make sure they get dry completely. You can even store them in the refrigerator for 3-5 weeks.
