Growing Chillis in NZ
Chillis are a staple for anyone who loves adding heat and flavour to their meals. Whether you're a fan of a mild tingle or an intense fiery kick, there’s a chilli for every taste bud. In New Zealand, chillis are gaining popularity not just for cooking but also as rewarding plants to grow at home. This guide dives into popular chili varieties available in New Zealand, their spice levels, how to use them in recipes, and tips for growing them successfully.
Discover the Heat: Popular Chili Varieties
Understanding the spice level of chillis is key to using them effectively in your kitchen. Spice is measured using the Scoville Heat Unit (SHU) scale. Here are some of the most popular chillis you can grow in New Zealand:
Serrano (25,000 SHU)
Heat level: Medium-hot.
Uses: Popular in Mexican cuisine, perfect for salsas, sauces, and garnishes. More intense than jalapeños.
Growing tip: These prolific plants need full sun and regular feeding throughout the growing season.
Cayenne (40,000 SHU)
Heat level: Hot!
Uses: Dried and ground into powder or used fresh in stews, curries, and marinades.
Growing tip: Support the plants as they grow taller, as cayenne chillis can become heavy with fruit.
Bird’s Eye (160,000 SHU)
Heat level: Very hot!!
Uses: Essential for Thai, Indian, and Southeast Asian cuisine. A little goes a long way!
Growing tip: These chillis love humidity. Consider misting the plants during dry spells.
Habanero (250,000 SHU)
Heat level: Extremely hot!!!
Uses: Perfect for hot sauces, marinades, and dishes that demand bold flavor.
Growing tip: Habaneros thrive in well-drained soil and need plenty of warmth to ripen fully.
Shishito (150 SHU)
Heat level: Very mild.
Uses: Perfect for sautéing, grilling, or eating fresh in salads. Their slight sweetness makes them ideal for quick appetizers.
Growing tip: Shishito chillis thrive in warm, sunny spots and require consistent watering.
Poblano (1,500 SHU)
Heat level: Mild.
Uses: Perfect for chile rellenos, roasting, and stuffing. When dried, they're called ancho chilies.
Growing tip: Space plants well apart as they grow quite large and bushy.
Cherry (3,000 SHU)
Heat level: Mild with a sweet tang.
Uses: Great for pickling, stuffing with cheese, or roasting.
Growing tip: These compact plants are perfect for container gardening. Fertilize regularly for better yields.
Jalapeño (5,000 SHU)
Heat level: Medium.
Uses: A favorite for salsas, nachos, and poppers. Jalapeños add a balanced heat to any dish.
Growing tip: Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost, and transplant them outdoors when it warms up.
Spice Up Your Kitchen: Easy Chili Recipes
Adding chillis to your cooking is a fantastic way to bring depth and character to meals. Here are some simple recipes to try:
Grilled Shishito Peppers
Ingredients: 200g Shishito peppers, olive oil, sea salt.
Steps: Toss the peppers in olive oil and sea salt. Grill over high heat until blistered, about 5 minutes. Serve as a snack or side dish.
Stuffed Cherry Peppers
Ingredients: Cherry peppers, cream cheese, fresh herbs.
Steps: Core the peppers and stuff them with cream cheese mixed with chopped herbs. Bake at 180°C for 10-12 minutes until soft.
Bird’s Eye Chili Stir-Fry
Ingredients: Bird’s Eye chillis, chicken or tofu, soy sauce, garlic, and vegetables.
Steps: Stir-fry minced chillis and garlic in oil. Add chicken or tofu, soy sauce, and veggies. Cook until everything is coated and heated through.
For more creative ideas, explore cooking websites like NZ Recipes or global food blogs that specialize in spicy dishes.
Growing and Caring for Chillis in NZ
Chillis are hardy and can thrive in New Zealand’s climate with the right care. Follow these tips to maximize your chili-growing success:
Choose the Right Spot: Chillis love sunlight. Pick a spot that gets at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily.
Prepare the Soil: Use well-drained, fertile soil. Adding compost or organic matter improves plant health.
Water Smartly: Water regularly but avoid soggy soil. Let the top layer dry slightly before the next watering.
Fertilize Regularly: Use a balanced fertilizer every 2-3 weeks during the growing season.
Protect from Cold: Chillis are sensitive to frost. If you’re in a cooler region, grow them in containers so you can move them indoors when necessary.
Prune for Productivity: Pinch off early flowers to encourage bushier growth and better fruit production.
For a more detailed guide on gardening in New Zealand, visit Garden Grow.
Why Grow Your Own Chillis?
Growing your own chillis is rewarding. Not only do you get fresh produce, but you’ll also save money and save a trip to the grocery store! Plus, chillis make for beautiful, ornamental plants that brighten up any garden or balcony.
Find Your Perfect Chili at Pots of Joy NZ
Looking to start your chili-growing journey? Pots of Joy NZ has you covered. As a family-owned nursery, we offer a wide variety of chili plants, including Jalapeños, Habaneros, and Bird’s Eye chillis. Our plants are grown with care and perfect for New Zealand’s conditions.
Visit us at 760 Glenbrook Rd, Kingseat, Auckland, or browse our selection online here! Whether you’re new to gardening or a seasoned pro, we’re here to help you grow and enjoy chillis at home. Let’s bring the heat to your garden and your plate!
