Chilli Plants and Nutrients
Feeding nutrient solutions to your chilli plants is straightforward when growing in pots or the ground. Chilli Focus, designed by Growth Technology, is the best nutrient feed for soil-grown chilli plants. It contains the perfect balance of minerals and chemicals, making nutrients easily absorbable for optimal growth.
When to Start Adding Nutrients
If you’ve germinated from seed or purchased a seedling, the quality of your soil is critical (see our Soil Page for more details).
Nutrient feeding follows these stages:
- Early Growth
- Most seedlings begin in nutrient-rich soil. Extra feeding isn’t needed in the first weeks.
- When you start feeding, use a weaker solution. For example, if the instructions suggest 10ml per litre, begin with 2-3ml per litre, then gradually build up.
- A balanced N-P-K ratio of 2-1-2 is ideal for early growth.
What is N-P-K?
- N (Nitrogen): Promotes leaves and foliage growth.
- P (Phosphorous): Supports root development.
- K (Potassium): Encourages flowers and fruit production.
For comparison:
- Chilli Focus has an N-P-K ratio of 2.98-0.4-3.6.
- Most tomato feeds have a stronger 4-4-12 ratio, which can overwhelm young chilli plants.
Nutrients After Re-Potting
Once your plant outgrows its pot, re-potting is the perfect time to start regular nutrient feeding. Chilli Focus delivers a comprehensive mix of nutrients in one solution, ideal for promoting root, foliage, and pod development.
Advanced growers may experiment with different feeds to target specific growth stages, but Chilli Focus provides a solid foundation for beginners and experts alike.
Washing Away Nutrient Salts
As plants begin to flower, it’s important to prevent a nutrient salt build-up, which can cause root rot or nutrient lockout (where roots stop absorbing nutrients).
How to Wash Salts:
- On a warm, sunny day, gently flush the top of the soil with clean, prepared water (chlorine-free if possible).
- This allows the water to dissolve salts and carry them down to the roots for reuse.
- Do this approximately once a month to maintain healthy soil.
Tip: Watering on warm days ensures the top layer dries quickly, preventing fungal or insect issues.
How Often Should I Feed?
Feeding frequency depends on weather conditions and growth:
- Sunny, Warm Periods: Plants use more nutrients due to increased energy production. Feed as needed.
- Cloudy, Cooler Days: Reduce watering and feeding to prevent nutrient build-up.
At least once a week, water with only water to flush salts and maintain balance.
Flushing Before Harvest
As you approach harvest time, water with only clean water for a few watering cycles. This reduces nutrient residue and improves the flavour of your pods. Drying out slightly near harvest can enhance acidity and taste, much like with tomatoes.
Nutrient Salt Build-Up: Prevention and Cure
Nutrient feeds are salt-based solutions. If overwatered, the liquid evaporates, leaving salt deposits in the soil. Signs include:
- A white crust forming on the soil surface.
- Topsoil remaining too wet.
- Stunted growth or nutrient lockout.
How to Fix Nutrient Build-Up:
- Remove the plant from its pot.
- Wash away the old soil with lukewarm water, ensuring the roots are clean.
- Re-pot using fresh compost.
Prevention:
- Water from the bottom to encourage roots to grow downwards.
- Feed less frequently, allowing plants time to absorb nutrients fully.
Water pH and Nutrients
Most plants, including chillies, thrive in slightly acidic water (pH 6.0). However, tap water is often alkaline (pH 7.0–8.0). Adding Chilli Focus naturally lowers the pH to a suitable range.
To monitor pH:
- Use affordable pH meters or solutions.
- Adjust with feed or specialised pH adjusters if necessary.