How to Grow Chilli in New Zealand

Updated June 2026

Needs a long warm season, so in Auckland start seed indoors from August and plant out into the warmest sunniest spot. In a sheltered northern garden or glasshouse plants can carry through a mild winter for a second year. Plants fruit harder when slightly water-stressed.

What it looks like as it grows

When to plant chilli in New Zealand

Timing is everything in New Zealand, where the warm north and the cooler south are weeks apart. Sow or plant in these months for your region:

Best chilli varieties for NZ

• Cayenne Long Slim, Long thin hot red chilli, dries well, heavy cropper. (Egmont Seeds, Kings Seeds, Mitre 10)
• Jalapeno, Thick-walled medium-heat chilli, great fresh or pickled. (Kings Seeds, Egmont Seeds)
• Thai Birds Eye, Small very hot upright fruit, prolific and ornamental. (Kings Seeds, Egmont Seeds)
• Habanero, Very hot lantern-shaped fruit, fruity heat, needs a long warm season. (Kings Seeds, Egmont Seeds)

How to grow chilli

• Space plants about 45cm apart.
• Sow seed around 0.5cm deep.
• Position: full sun.
• Ready to harvest in roughly 90 days.
• Seeds germinate in about 14 days.

Companion planting

Grow chilli near: Basil, Tomato, Carrot, Marigold.

Pests and problems

Watch for: Aphids, Whitefly, Tomato/potato psyllid. See our NZ pest and disease guide for organic control.

When it goes wrong

The most common ways chilli trips people up, and what to change next time:

Flowers drop without fruit

Usually heat over 32C or cold nights. Even watering and a sheltered warm spot help them set.

Leaves curl and look distorted

Aphids on the new growth. Check the tips, squash them or hose off, and encourage ladybirds.

Plant is slow and pale

Cold and hungry. Chillies need warmth and a steady feed once flowering.