Many types of chili peppers exist, and from habaneros to Thai chilis, basic care is the same if you want those peppers to bring the heat. Like other peppers, they need adequate sunlight, warm weather (70-90 degrees), moist soil and a weed-free growing area. One inch of water per week is sufficient in most conditions, and organic mulch will lend a helping hand. Use well-draining soil to reduce the chances of clumping and root rot.

Chili pepper pests are everywhere. Pests like aphids, thrips, flea beetles, pepper weevils and leaf miners can be deterred with natural or synthetic insecticides. Bacterial spots, damping off, cucumber mosaic virus and powdery mildew are also concerns. If a plant gets infested or infected, destroy it immediately.

Start your chili pepper seeds indoors to enjoy the longest possible growing season, especially in USDA grow zones 4-7. Beginning growing seeds 8-10 weeks before the final anticipated spring frost, using seed-starting trays or pots with an appropriate soil-less mix. Provide warmth and light, using supplemental equipment if necessary, and water often but lightly. Transplant the seedlings to larger containers or the ground once they have multiple sets of true leaves.

You can plant chili peppers in-ground after the final frost. Choose a sunny garden area where you did not grow other nightshade plants the year before, as the soil is more likely to be depleted in those spots. Also, keep them away from taller plants which would create a canopy. Seeds and seedlings can be spaced by 1-2 feet with rows 2-3 feet apart so you can walk between them.

Chili peppers do very well in containers, especially compact varieties. Mix some coco coir or perlite into your potting soil to help with moisture retention, and water them 1-2 times a day — whenever the top two inches are dry.

Too much or too little fertilizer will stunt growth while reducing pepper heat levels and flavor. In most cases, applying fertilizer during planting and again every 4-6 weeks is enough. Start with compost or a balanced fertilizer. When fruits start to develop, go with a blend high in potassium and phosphorous to help them grow larger. Soil testing will tell you what specific NPK ratio is needed or whether fertilization is even necessary.

Chili peppers are perennial plants if you maintain sufficient warmth, light and humidity. In frost-free and tropical regions, the plants can remain in-ground with mulching, cold frames and other warming methods. Gardeners who live in colder grow zones must bring chili peppers indoors before the first fall frost. Use grow lights if your space doesn’t have enough natural light.

For younger chili pepper plants that are 8-10 inches in height, removing suckers and pinching the growing tip will focus energy on healthy growth and encourage a bushier shape. On older plants, cut away dead leaves and barren branches to promote fresh growth and better lighting.

Hot peppers are ready when they reach their ripe size, feel firm and do not taste better. Harvest chili peppers by cutting them off the stem with a knife or shears. These peppers tend to start as green and then change to another color; the green chili peppers will not be as spicy.