When is the best time to plant chili seeds?
This article provides a comprehensive explanation of the best time to plant chili seeds, as well as the methods and timing for chili cultivation. If there are any mistakes, please feel free to correct them!
Chili belongs to the Solanaceae capsicum genus, which is an annual herbaceous plant. It is mainly distributed in Sichuan, Guizhou, Hunan, Yunnan, Shaanxi, and other regions. Chili is adaptable, has a long growing period, and is commonly cultivated domestically. Chili is rich in vitamin C and capsaicin, which can stimulate appetite and aid digestion. The economic benefits of planting chili are good.
Chili planting time
For dry chili cultivation, seeds are usually sown for seedlings in late January to early February, and transplanting is done in April. For green chili, seeds are sown from November to the first ten days of the following January.
Chili planting methods
1. Seedling raising
Cultivating strong seedlings is the key to high yield. Use a warm bed or plastic film seedbed for raising seedlings. Use 200-250 grams of seeds per mu. After sowing, maintain the daytime temperature of the seedbed at 25-28℃, the peak temperature at 20-22℃, and the soil moisture at 90%. After the seedlings emerge, keep the seedbed temperature at 20-25℃ during the day and 15-16℃ at night. Gradually uncover the covering when the seedlings have 4-5 true leaves to acclimate them to the outdoor climate. During the seedling stage, it is important to supplement fertilizer and water and prevent and control pests and diseases.
2. Land preparation, application of base fertilizer, and transplanting
Plow the land and apply 4000 kilograms of compost, 50 kilograms of phosphate fertilizer, and 10-15 kilograms of potassium fertilizer per mu as base fertilizer. The planting spacing is 33-50 centimeters between rows and 33 centimeters between plants, with 2-3 plants per hill. It is better to transplant chili seedlings that are 110-120 days old with 8-13 true leaves. For green chili harvest, plant 5000-7000 seedlings per mu.
3. Field management
Fertilization and water management: After the chili seedlings are transplanted and established, apply 1000 kilograms of decomposed animal manure per mu as seedling fertilizer every week. After the first layer of chili sets, apply 3000 kilograms of animal manure plus 3-5 kilograms of urea per mu as fruit-stabilizing fertilizer. After the first harvest, apply another 3000 kilograms of animal manure plus 3-5 kilograms of urea, and apply fertilizer again after the third harvest of chili. Combine topdressing with watering, and water in time during high temperatures and dry spells to keep the soil moist. After rainfall, drain the water in time.
Preventing flower and fruit drop: High or low temperatures are the main factors causing chili flower and fruit drop. Excessive nitrogen fertilizer, dense planting, and insufficient light can also cause flower and fruit drop. Spraying a solution of p-chlorophenoxyacetic acid (PCPA) at a concentration of 25-30 ppm during the flowering period can effectively prevent flower drop.
4. Harvesting
For fresh chili harvest, the fruit can be harvested 20-25 days after the flower fades, when the fruit is fully grown, the color of the chili deepens, and the chili becomes hard and glossy. For dry chili, the ripe red fruit must be harvested.
The above is a detailed explanation of the best time to plant chili seeds and the methods and timing for chili cultivation, hoping to provide you with some help!