Overview
- Common Name: Chili / Sili
- Scientific Name: Capsicum frutescens, Capsicum annuum
- Local Names:
- Siling labuyo – small, very spicy (native Philippine variety)
- Siling haba / Espada – long, medium-hot chili used in sinigang, tinola
- Bell pepper / Sweet pepper – large, mild, for salads and dishes
- Plant Type: Fruit-bearing perennial shrub (grown as annual)
- Uses: Culinary, medicinal, pest deterrent, ornamental (colorful fruit)
Best Varieties for the Philippines
| Variety | Features | Disadvantages | Typical Height |
|---|
| Siling Labuyo (Native) | Very spicy; hardy and pest-resistant; long lifespan; thrives in tropical climates. | Smaller fruits and slower fruiting cycle compared to hybrids. | 60–90 cm (24–36 inches) |
| Siling Haba / Espada (Long Chili) | Produces long, slender fruits with mild heat; high-yielding and well-suited for Filipino dishes. | Sensitive to heavy rain and root rot; requires well-drained soil. | 70–100 cm (28–40 inches) |
| Pinatubo Hybrid F1 | High-yield hybrid with uniform fruits; disease-resistant; performs well in warm climates. | Requires regular feeding and pruning; not open-pollinated (seeds can’t be reused). | 60–80 cm (24–32 inches) |
| Bell Pepper (California Wonder) | Sweet, thick-walled fruits; good for containers and salads; attractive glossy color. | Sensitive to heat stress, leaf curl, and calcium deficiency. | 45–60 cm (18–24 inches) |
| Taiwan / Thai Hot Chili | Compact and bushy; produces abundant small hot fruits; excellent for pots or limited space. | Shorter productive lifespan than native varieties. | 40–60 cm (16–24 inches) |
🟢 Best Choice for Beginners: Siling labuyo (hardiest) or Taiwan chili (fast-yielding for pots).
Germination from Seeds
- Propagation: From seeds (can also use stem cuttings for labuyo)
- Seed Treatment:
- Soak in warm water for 12–24 hours before sowing to speed up germination.
- Optional: Wrap soaked seeds in moist tissue, place in ziplock, and keep in warm shaded area or fridge door (not freezer) for 1–2 days.
- Germination Time: 7–14 days (labuyo may take up to 21 days)
- Ideal Soil pH: 6.0–7.0
- Soil Type: Well-draining sandy loam with compost
- Why: Loose soil allows roots to spread and prevents fungal infection.
- Planting Depth: 0.5–1 cm deep
- Sunlight During Germination: Bright indirect light; avoid direct midday sun until seedlings appear.
Transplanting
- When to Transplant: After 4–6 true leaves appear (around 20–25 days old)
- Spacing Between Plants: 30–45 cm apart; 60–75 cm between rows
- How Deep: Transplant at the same depth as seedling base
- Best Time: Early morning or late afternoon on cloudy days
- Sun Requirement: Full sun (6–8 hours/day) for best fruit yield
Growth & Soil Conditions
- Sunlight: Needs full sun — thrives in open, bright areas
- Watering:
- Water 2–3 times weekly or when topsoil feels dry.
- Do not overwater; chili roots dislike soggy soil.
- Avoid: Standing water or compacted clay — can cause root rot.
- Soil: Rich, loose, and well-draining soil with 30–40% organic compost.
- Mulching: Add dried leaves or rice hull to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
- Airflow: Important to prevent fungal issues and pest buildup.
Fertilizer Needs
| Growth Stage | Fertilizer Type | Frequency | Purpose |
|---|
| Seedling | Vermicast tea or compost extract | Every 2 weeks | Root development |
| Vegetative (Growing) | Nitrogen-rich (e.g., urea or fish amino acid) | Every 2–3 weeks | Promote leafy growth |
| Pre-flowering | Balanced (14-14-14 or 10-10-10) | Every 3 weeks | Prepare for flowering |
| Fruiting Stage | High potassium & phosphorus (0-10-10, bone meal, banana peel tea) | Every 2 weeks | Boost fruit size, flavor, and yield |
⚠️ Tip: Reduce nitrogen once flowering begins; too much = lots of leaves, few fruits.
Pruning & Maintenance
- Top Pruning: When plant reaches 25–30 cm, cut top tip to encourage branching.
- Remove: Yellow leaves, damaged branches, and suckers near the base.
- After First Harvest: Trim ⅓ of plant height to encourage second flush of fruits.
- Staking: For tall or heavy fruiting varieties, use bamboo sticks for support.
Common Pests & Diseases
| Problem | Symptoms | Organic Prevention / Treatment |
|---|
| Aphids / Whiteflies | Curled or sticky leaves | Neem oil or garlic-chili spray weekly |
| Fruit borer | Holes in fruits | Remove infected fruits; use pheromone traps |
| Spider mites | Fine webbing under leaves | Mist early morning; apply neem oil |
| Leaf curl virus | Twisted leaves, stunted growth | Remove infected plants; control aphids early |
| Root rot / damping-off | Wilting seedlings | Use sterile soil mix and avoid overwatering |
🟢 Natural Companion Plants: Basil, marigold, zinnia, onion — repel pests and attract pollinators.
Flowering & Fruiting
- Days to Flower: 45–60 days after transplanting
- Days to Harvest:
- Siling haba / Thai chili: 80–100 days from sowing
- Labuyo: 90–120 days
- Pollination: Insect-assisted (bees and butterflies)
- Fruit Maturity:
- Green = young and mild
- Red/orange = fully mature, spicier flavor
- Harvesting Tip: Use scissors; pulling can damage stems.
Growth Conditions & Lifespan
- Lifespan: 1–2 years (perennial but often replanted annually)
- Can Regrow From: Stem cuttings (especially labuyo)
- Cut 15–20 cm stem, remove lower leaves, soak in water or plant directly in moist soil until roots form.
- Root Condition: Must not stay waterlogged; moderate moisture only.
- Temperature Range: 22–34°C optimal
- Humidity: Prefers moderate humidity, avoid stagnant air.
- Soil Preference: Loose, fertile, and slightly sandy with compost.
Best & Worst Planting Months (Philippine Climate)
| Season | Months | Recommendation |
|---|
| Dry Season (Amihan) | November – May | ✅ Best period; high yield, less pest infestation |
| Rainy Season (Habagat) | June – October | ⚠️ Risk of fungal disease and root rot; grow in pots or raised beds with roof cover |
Additional Tips
- Companion Plants: Basil, marigold, onion, tomato (repel aphids and whiteflies).
- Avoid Planting With: Eggplant and tobacco (similar pests and diseases).
- Harvest Period: Every 5–7 days once fruiting starts to encourage more fruiting.
- Seed Saving: Dry mature red chilies, remove seeds, and store in a cool, dry container (lasts 2–3 years).
- Potted Growing: Use pots at least 25–30 cm deep with good drainage.
- Sunlight Tip: If growing indoors or balcony, rotate pots weekly for even growth.