Chilli Bird Eye also known as Thai chili or Thai bird’s eye chili, is a popular chili pepper variety known for its small size, intense heat, and use in Thai cuisine. Growing bird’s eye chili from seeds follows the same general process as growing other chili pepper varieties. Here’s how you can grow bird’s eye chili from seeds:
- Chilli Bird Eye Seed Selection: Obtain bird’s eye chili seeds from a reputable supplier. Ensure the seeds are fresh and viable for optimal germination.
- Starting Seeds Indoors: Since bird’s eye chili peppers require a long growing season, especially if you live in a cooler climate, it’s best to start the seeds indoors. Begin 6-8 weeks before the last expected frost date in your area.
- Sowing Seeds: Plant the bird’s eye chili seeds in seed trays or small pots filled with seed-starting mix. Place 2-3 seeds in each pot, pressing them gently into the soil and covering them with a thin layer of soil. Water the soil lightly after sowing.
- Warmth and Moisture: Bird’s eye chili seeds germinate best in warm soil with temperatures around 70-85°F (21-29°C). Use a heating mat if necessary to maintain warmth. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
- Germination and Light: Bird’s eye chili seeds typically germinate within 7-14 days. Once the seeds germinate, provide the seedlings with ample light. Place them in a sunny windowsill or under grow lights, ensuring they receive 12-16 hours of light per day.
- Transplanting: When the seedlings have developed 2-3 sets of true leaves and the weather has warmed up, usually after the last frost date, they are ready to be transplanted outdoors. Harden off the seedlings by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions over a period of 7-10 days.
- Outdoor Planting: Choose a sunny location with well-drained soil for planting your bird’s eye chili peppers. Space the plants 18-24 inches apart, depending on the mature size of the variety.
- Watering and Fertilizing: Water the bird’s eye chili plants regularly, keeping the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged. Fertilize the plants with a balanced fertilizer once they start flowering and fruiting, following the instructions on the fertilizer package.
- Maintenance: Monitor the plants for pests and diseases, and take appropriate measures to control them if necessary. Mulching around the plants can help retain moisture and suppress weeds.
- Harvesting: Bird’s eye chili peppers can be harvested when they reach the desired size and color. Most peppers will mature within 60-90 days after transplanting. Use scissors or pruners to harvest the peppers, as they can be quite hot and may irritate the skin.
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