Chilli
 Chillies are part of the capsicum family and are eaten in almost every culture and, with their gloriously colored fruit, also make fantastic ornamental plants. The heat in chilli’s comes from a compound called capsaicin. Most of it resides in the white flesh and seeds; reduce the heat by cutting them out. Given the right conditions, plants in the pepper family are very easy to grow. There are many forms available, so you'll be able to find one that's right for your garden and palate.
To start with rich, free-draining soil is essential. Blend in a quality compost a week or so before planting along with some Dolomite. Even with ideal conditions, getting chilli seeds to germinate can be a slow, and take from one to six weeks. Just the same as the majority of other plants, chilli seeds need warmth, oxygen, and moisture before germination will occur.
Chillis need regular watering to produce quality fruit. However, they are quite tough once established and can tolerate dry conditions provided they have periodic deep waterings. Soil that stays wet for long periods can bring on rootrot and may also lead to fruit having a bitter taste. Plants grown in soil that's too dry will produce smaller crops of undersized fruit.
Mildew and mould may appear in humid conditions and if plants are overcrowded. To fix these problems, cut back on overhead watering and thin out the bushes.
 Tui Mite & Mildew Control is ideal for quickly dealing to mildew on vegetables. Apply every 2 weeks to affected plants by lightly dusting plants and ensuring all foliage is evenly covered. Mite and Mildew is also great for dusting bulbs as you plant them in the ground.
Regular harvesting of chillies induces more fruit to grow, so make sure you pick early and often. The full flavour and fiery taste is achieved only when left to ripen on the plant and turn red (although can be picked when green). When you've picked the summer crop, prune the plants to at least half their size as this helps them survive over winter.
Pests to look out for: Aphids, mealy bugs, scales and mites may appear on the leaves, stems and fruit in clusters and feed on the sweet sap the plants produce. Always look for natural or organic pest control options when spraying on the edible garden. Affected plants appear water-stressed, and leaves turn yellow and fall. In some cases leaves and flowers curl up and wilt.
Where to grow: Pick a warm spot that receives full sun for at least half of the day. In cool areas, find a spot that provides a suitable microclimate and that is protected from frost; like a sunny covered balcony, a warm courtyard or under a tree canopy.
How to feed: Regularly apply a liquid fertiliser or soluble plant food like Phostrogen plant food. Keep plants well mulched with a weed-free product like pelletised pea straw.
Visit www.nzgrowoff.co.nz for more great info like this.
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