Chili (Cabai Merah)

🌞 Light & Temperature

Light: Full sun (6–8+ hours)

Temperature: 24–34°C optimal

🪴 Pot & Soil

Pot: 15–25 L pot (28–35 cm diameter) with sturdy stake; excellent drainage.

Soil Mix: Well-draining mix: 40% loam, 30% compost, 20% coco coir, 10% perlite; pH 6.0–6.8

💧 Watering

Schedule: Dry season: 3x/week; Rainy season: 1–2x/week if no rain

Amount: 1–2 L per watering for 20 L pot

Keep evenly moist; avoid waterlogging to prevent root disease. Mulch to conserve moisture.

🧪 Fertilizing

Type: Balanced vegetable fertilizer (e.g., NPK 12-12-17) then higher K at flowering

Frequency: Every 2 weeks during growth; weekly light liquid feed when flowering

Dosage: 10–20 g granular per 20 L pot per month; supplement with seaweed/trace foliar monthly

🥕 Harvest

Start: 60–90 days from transplant

Duration: Produces continuously for 2–4 months with picking

🌱 Propagation

Seeds; start in trays then transplant at 4–6 true leaves

🐛 Pests & Diseases

• Aphids & whiteflies: Yellow sticky traps; neem oil 0.5–1% weekly; encourage lacewings
• Fruit borer: Bag young fruits with mesh; maintain hygiene; Bt spray if needed
• Bacterial wilt/root rot: Use sterile, draining mix; avoid overwatering; rotate crops

🌦️ Seasonal Notes (Malaysia)

In monsoon, reduce watering and improve airflow; provide rain shelter to protect flowers.

📝 Planting Notes

Stake early; prune lightly to 3–4 main branches for airflow.

💡 Extra Care Tips

• Pinch first few flowers to strengthen plant
• Mulch 3–5 cm to keep roots cool
• Avoid heavy nitrogen once flowering begins