capsicum/ kudaimilagai/chilli

🌶️ Chilli Seed Sowing Guide

1. Season

In India, chilli is grown in 3 main seasons:

Kharif (Rainy crop): June–July (nursery) → transplant Aug–Sept

Rabi (Winter crop): Sept–Oct (nursery) → transplant Nov–Dec

Summer crop: Jan–Feb (nursery) → transplant March–April

2. Soil Preparation

Well-drained sandy loam to clay loam with high organic matter.

Soil pH: 6.0 – 7.5.

Add 15–20 tons FYM/acre and prepare fine tilth.

3. Seed Preparation

Seed rate: 200–250 g/acre (nursery raising).

Treat seeds with:

Trichoderma / Bavistin to prevent damping-off.

Optional: soak in 10% cow dung solution / GA₃ (growth promoter) for quick germination.

4. Nursery Sowing

Raised nursery beds (1–1.5 m wide, 20 cm high).

Mix FYM + sand into topsoil.

Draw shallow lines 5–7 cm apart.

Sow seeds 1–1.5 cm deep, cover lightly with fine soil + compost.

Mulch with straw/grass till germination.

5. Germination

Seeds sprout in 8–12 days (warm season faster).

6. Nursery Care

Water lightly with a rose can.

Provide shade net in hot season.

Apply light fungicide spray if damping-off appears.

Seedlings ready in 35–40 days (12–15 cm tall, 5–6 true leaves).

7. Transplanting

Transplant healthy seedlings to main field.

Spacing:

Row to row: 45–60 cm

Plant to plant: 30–45 cm

Planting depth: just up to root portion (do not bury stem deep).

8. Watering

Light irrigation after transplanting.

Irrigate every 7–10 days depending on season and soil type.

Avoid waterlogging → roots are sensitive.

9. Harvest

Green chilli harvest begins 60–75 days after transplanting.

Continue harvesting at 10–15 day intervals.

For dry chilli, harvest when fruits turn red and mature.