How to Grow Chillies in Australia: From Seed to Spicy Harvest

If you're looking to add some heat to your garden and your kitchen, chillies are the way to go. These vibrant plants are not only productive and beautiful but also surprisingly easy to grow across much of Australia — including right here in Perth. Whether you prefer mild jalapeños or fiery bird’s eye varieties, growing chillies is a fun, satisfying process for beginners and experienced gardeners alike.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to grow chillies from seed, when to plant them depending on your location, and how to care for your chilli plants to get the most out of every season.

Growing Chillies in Australia: Climate and Timing

Chillies are heat-loving plants that grow best in warm, sunny conditions with minimal wind exposure. They are frost-sensitive, so the timing of planting is critical.

Best Time to Plant Chillies by Region:

• Perth (WA): You can start seeds indoors as early as August, and transplant seedlings outdoors from September through November. Perth's long, warm growing season is ideal for chillies — some varieties can fruit well into autumn.

• Sydney (NSW): Sow seeds from September to November. In Sydney’s humid summers, choose disease-resistant varieties and provide good airflow.

• Melbourne (VIC): Wait until late October to early November to plant outside. Start seeds indoors in August or September to extend the season.

• Brisbane (QLD): With a subtropical climate, chillies can be grown almost year-round, but the best window is August to March. Shade during peak heat may help.

• Adelaide (SA): Similar to Perth in timing — plant chillies between September and November. Keep seedlings protected from late spring winds.

• Hobart (TAS): Start seeds indoors in late August or September, and transplant outdoors in November once frost risk is gone. Use greenhouses or warm microclimates to boost success.

In all climates, chillies need at least 6 hours of full sun, warm soil, and protection from strong winds.

Choosing the Right Chilli Variety

Australia’s climate allows you to grow a wide range of chilli types. Some great options include:

• Cayenne: Long, thin and spicy. Fast-growing and very productive.

• Bird’s Eye: Small, fiery chillies often used in Southeast Asian cooking.

• Jalapeño: Milder heat, thick walls — perfect for stuffing or pickling.

• Habanero: Hot and fruity. Needs a long growing season and consistent warmth.

• Hungarian Wax: Mild-medium heat, excellent for slicing or grilling.

For beginners, Cayenne or Jalapeño are reliable choices, especially in temperate or dry climates like Perth and Adelaide.

Growing Chillies from Seed: Step-by-Step

Starting chillies from seed is straightforward but does require patience, as germination can be slow — especially in cooler regions.

How to Grow Chillies from Seed:

1. Start Indoors: Begin seeds indoors in late winter or early spring (August–September). Use seed trays or small pots.

2. Warmth Matters: Chillies need soil temps of 20–30°C to germinate. Use a heat mat or sunny windowsill in cooler areas.

3. Planting Depth: Sow seeds 5 mm deep in seed-raising mix. Keep the mix moist but not soggy.

4. Germination Time: Can take 10–21 days depending on variety and temperature.

5. Transplant Carefully: Once seedlings have 4+ leaves and nighttime temps stay above 12°C, transplant them to larger pots or garden beds.

Where and How to Grow Chillies

Chillies grow well in pots, raised beds, or directly in well-prepared soil.

Ideal Conditions:

• Sunlight: 6–8 hours per day. In hotter regions, some afternoon shade is helpful.

• Soil: Loose, fertile soil with excellent drainage. A neutral pH between 6.0–7.0 is ideal.

• Spacing: Plant 30–50 cm apart, depending on variety size.

• Staking: Tall varieties may need support to prevent breakage when fruiting.

In Perth and similar climates, chillies thrive in slightly sandy soils, provided nutrients and moisture are managed well. In humid cities like Brisbane, airflow and spacing are critical to prevent disease.

Watering, Feeding & Care

Chillies are relatively low-maintenance once established, but consistent care produces better results.

Watering:

• Water regularly, especially during flowering and fruiting.

• Allow the top few centimetres of soil to dry out between waterings.

• Avoid overhead watering to reduce the risk of fungal diseases.

Feeding:

• Use a balanced liquid fertiliser every 2–3 weeks early in the season.

• Switch to a potassium-rich fertiliser (like tomato feed) once flowering begins.

• Add compost or worm castings for long-term slow-release nutrients.

Tip: Mulch the base of the plant to retain moisture and suppress weeds, especially in hotter cities like Perth and Adelaide.

Pruning and Maintenance

• Pinch out the first few flowers to encourage stronger root and leaf growth early on.

• Remove yellowing leaves and any damaged branches.

• Prune lightly in mid-season to boost airflow and prevent disease.

You can also overwinter chilli plants in pots by moving them indoors or into a greenhouse — especially in cooler areas like Melbourne or Hobart.

Harvesting Chillies

Chillies are ready to harvest around 60–90 days after transplanting, depending on variety and climate.

• Pick chillies when they are firm, glossy, and fully coloured.

• Use scissors or garden snips to avoid damaging the plant.

• Harvest regularly to encourage more fruiting.

In warmer regions like Perth and Brisbane, chilli plants can fruit well into late autumn, and even overwinter with care.

Products to Help You Grow

Need supplies? Visit our store and browse the Growth Products Page. You’re sure to find something helpful (and spicy) to kickstart your chilli journey.

Final Thoughts

Chillies are one of the most exciting and useful plants to grow at home. From the fiery thrill of a bird’s eye to the mellow warmth of a jalapeño, they offer something for every palate — and they’re surprisingly adaptable across Australia’s varied climates. Whether you're growing in sunny Perth, breezy Hobart, or humid Brisbane, a healthy chilli crop is just a few seeds and a sunny spot away.

Keep an eye on our blog for more herb and vegetable growing guides — and don’t forget to share your chilli-growing results with us!