Growing Habaneros?

Question

I love Habanero peppers. the hotter the better! Whats the best way to grow them? Can I start them from seed, now, on my inside windowsill?? Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Answer 1

You might enjoy this "Chili-Head website for those who have a deep and profound love for all things 'chile pepperish' Click on the "growing peppers" link:
http://www.g6csy.net/chile/index.html
The soil pH can vary from an acidic pH 4.3 to an alkali pH 8.7 Adjust soil pH to around 6.5 for best results. Improve the soil before planting with compost or manure & Compost, eggshells and peat moss. Use a balanced 15N-15P-15K fertiliser.
Chile peppers are sensitive to the cold and generally prefer to grow in a well-drained, sandy or silt-loam soil. They need at least 70 degrees F. to grow and set flowers. At extreme temperatures, 90 degrees F. and over and under 60 degrees F., they will drop their blossoms until conditions are more favorable. They can handle most soils and a neutral pH. A sprinkling of Epson salts at planting seems to help fruit set, as does crowding the plants in their bed. http://gardening.about.com/od/vegetables/p/HotPeppers.htm

The amount of water your chili plants receive can also affect taste. Too much water and soggy conditions will impart a bitter flavor. Over-watering also risks root rot, a disease that can be deadly. The hotter the weather, the hotter your chili peppers will taste. The ideal night temperature for growing peppers is around sixty degrees Fahrenheit.
http://www.happynews.com/living/cooking/chilis-perennials-annuals.htm

In general, the smaller the chile and hotter it is.The heat in most chiles is found in all parts of the chile but most of it is in the membranes around the seeds. The seeds themselves have a high amount of capsicum (the oil that causes the hot sensation) but the membrane generally contains the highest concentration of the capsicum.http://www.happynews.com/living/cooking/chili-pepper-garden.htm

Chili Diary:
http://users.skynet.be/jan.doumen/CHILI/1997.html
Plants grown directly in soil will require 2-3 additional side-dressings of fertiliser (well-rotted animal manure goes down well; likewise fresh seaweed.) Mulch with seaweed, compost from bin, newspaper. Apply Epsom Salts as a foliar spray at fortnightly intervals; once every ten days once flowers form.
Container or grow-bag plants require a weekly feed with either seaweed extract or NPK fertiliser (15-15-15) and water as required. Control pests and treat with Epsom Salts.
http://www.selfsufficientish.com/chilipepper.htm
Good luck! Hope this helps.

Answer 2

Growing Habaneros

Answer 3

Habaneros thrive in hot weather. However, since peppers belong to the nightshade family, too much sun can be damaging to the leaves and the plant. As with all peppers, the habanero does well in an area with good morning sun and in soil with an acidity level around 5-6 pH. The habanero should be watered only when dry. Overly moist soil and roots will produce bitter-tasting peppers.Habaneros can live many years in pots or other growing containers at proper temperature.

Answer 4

Good information in previous answers. I have several peppers of various types in the greenhouse, some are eight years old grown in 5 gallon pots. Long term growth in containers will require regular fertilization. I use composted chicken manure which is high in phosphates and nitrogen, top dressing every month during the growing season. Like habaneros? Try Scotch bonnets or the Peruvian Ricoto!

Answer 5

You should be able to put them in a six- to ten-inch pot and grow them with no problem. They do well in the same conditions that you'd want for tomato plants: good, moist soil, appropriate fertilizer (high middle number for a good yield), and lots of sunlight. Once they get about eight inches tall, pinch the tops back to remove the apical bud and encourage branching; you don't want them getting really tall indoors, as a rule.

I'm not big on habaneros (a bit TOO hot for me), but I've grown jalapenos this way before, and they did really well.

A good site for pepper seeds of all levels of "heat" is Pepper Joe's; if they don't have it, it doesn't exist. Enjoy!

Answer 6

This Site Might Help You.

RE:
Growing Habaneros?
I love Habanero peppers. the hotter the better! Whats the best way to grow them? Can I start them from seed, now, on my inside windowsill?? Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Answer 7

You can grow them from seeds but best to start in the early spring. I like peppers but habaneros? You are my hero!