How to Grow Green Chiles

Harvest green chiles while the fruit is still immature.

Green chile peppers are the fruits of the capsicum plant and are harvested before they have reached maturity. Chile peppers are grown from seeds and get their "heat" from an alkaloid called capsaicin

Planting The Seeds

Plant capsicum seeds indoors in early to mid-April. Transplant the seeds to your garden at the end of May. They may be grown in containers as long as the temperatures do not fall below 54 degrees Fahrenheit. Green chile plants are also available for purchase from garden centers.

In The Garden

Set the transplants 24 inches apart from each other. Don't plant the seeds in an area of your garden that was used to grow peppers in the previous season -- diseases left over from last year's crop could contaminate this year's peppers.

Tending the Plants

Fertilize the soil with a water-soluble fertilizer. Water the plants regularly and fertilize them again after one month.

Harvesting the Plants

Harvest the peppers when they are firm and glossy green. They are ready for harvest in August.

References

• Colorado State University: Chiles for the Home Garden