Characteristics and description of chili peppers

Hot chili peppers are considered the most common spice in many cultures. They are widely used not only in the beauty industry and cooking, but also in home gardens.

Even novice gardeners will enjoy growing peppers. These miniature plants will decorate your garden or windowsill, and will delight you with their piquant peppers.

Selecting seeds for sowing

First, you need to obtain some plant seeds. There are several options: collect them from already planted plants or purchase them from a store. The seeds should be large and free of obvious defects, chips, or damage. If you see multicolored spots on the surface of the seed, it means it was dried at high temperatures. Remember, this causes significant damage to the seeds. Collect the seeds yourself when the pepper has turned brown. Cut the fruit open, and shake out the seeds. It's best to protect your eyes and skin, as pepper particles can cause burns. Be careful!

Growing chili peppers

Chili peppers are very versatile in terms of cultivation, as they thrive on balconies, windowsills, and open ground. First, to speed up the ripening process, it's important to take care of the seedlings. February is the best time for this. Plants intended for outdoor planting will have time to gain strength before spring. To speed up the process, spread the seeds between dampened napkins or damp pieces of gauze. After leaving the seeds for a few days, you can forget about them. The key is to spread them evenly so they swell evenly. Chamomile tea can be used instead of regular water. To sow the sprouted seeds, use a large container pre-treated with hot water. It's best to buy soil from a store; this will be safer for the plants. Place drainage at the bottom of the container. Plant the seeds at a depth of 1.5 cm. Spray the top with water from a spray bottle and cover the pot with glass. The first sprouts can be expected in about a week. Transplant the peppers into a separate pot after the first leaves appear. Chili peppers thrive in full sun, so plan for this in advance. Keep the temperature up to 25°C in summer and 18°C ​​in winter. Ensure adequate air circulation, but avoid drafts.

Necessary conditions

Chili peppers do not require meticulous care, but you should still follow some rules, namely:

• You should not choose deep containers for growing, otherwise all the energy will go to the root system, and the top will remain poorly developed;
• use plastic pots with drainage;
• keep the soil moist, but do not overwater;
• Feed the plant with the same preparations as for tomatoes
• pinch the top when it reaches 20 cm.

Major pests

The most dangerous disease is called "black leg." Wilting can also occur. To avoid this, maintain optimal temperature and humidity. Black leg is characterized by darkening of the stems. Leaves fall off, and the plant dies quickly. It's best to remove unhealthy plants immediately to prevent them from infecting healthy ones. In addition to "black leg," gardeners should be wary of aphids and spider mites. Wood ash is an excellent remedy for these problems.

Benefits of pepper

The main benefit of chili is that almost all varieties produce fruit year-round. Peppers are excellent antioxidants, promote vascular elasticity, lower blood pressure, and effectively reduce cold symptoms. Chili is an excellent antidepressant and produces endorphins, which relieve pain and insomnia. The fruit is rich in iron, magnesium, potassium, and vitamins A, B, and C. Chili flushes out accumulated toxins and promotes weight loss due to its minimal calorie content. Therefore, growing at least one chili plant is always a great idea.

Disadvantages of chili

Not everyone appreciates the bitter taste, and chili is especially harmful for those with gastrointestinal conditions, as it irritates the mucous membranes. Chili should be consumed in moderation and not overindulged. If you have dermatitis, avoid creams and ointments containing this ingredient. Avoid touching your eyes and body when preparing food to avoid burns. Also, take care of open wounds, as contact with pepper can prolong the illness. If hot pepper particles come into contact with your skin, rinse the affected area thoroughly with water.

Gardeners' reviews of chili peppers

Rose, 61 years old, Stary Oskol:

I first saw this pepper on a relative's windowsill about ten years ago. I wanted to try growing it at home, too. It turned out to be very simple. I don't like spicy food, but I was still intrigued by the idea of ​​growing it on the balcony. I borrowed a pepper from my relatives and scooped out the seeds. I planted it in a plastic cup and waited to see what would happen. The first sprouts appeared quickly. I was as happy as a child. The soil should always be moist; I didn't need to fertilize it.

Olga, 28 years old, Trubchevsk:

I recently discovered a practical use for chili. I always take care of my hair, so I make life-saving masks with chili peppers. My hair is shiny and silky after this treatment. I even gained volume, something I'd never seen before. I've completely forgotten about expensive products and beauty salons.

Roman, 52 years old, Suzdal:

I absolutely adore spicy food. I hinted to my wife that she should plant some urgently. We planted the seedlings and tended them. The stems were weak, so we planted them in open ground. We watered them a few times, and suddenly some urgent permits appeared. We moved south, and there was no one to tend the garden. Upon our return, we discovered compact bushes, all hung with miniature peppers. When summer ended, we planted them at home on the windowsill.