Thinking about spicy Thai foods and wondering what provides the heat? It’s the Thai pepper chili that grows on the Thai Pepper Plant. The people of South India, Vietnam, and other Southeast Asian nations use this in different cuisines. Thai peppers are especially for those who like an extra kick in meals.
The following article contains all the essential information you will need about the Thai Pepper Plant, whether it’s about growing it, taking care of it, or harvesting it. We have got it all for you.
Some Interesting Facts About Thai Pepper Plant:
- By the time the Spanish conquistadors arrived in Southeast Asia, Thai peppers were already widely popular.
- Immature peppers are green, but when they are ready, they are a brilliant red color.
- It is easy to grow Thai pepper plants in a container due to their small size, only about a foot high (30.5 cm.).
- On the plant, the peppers stay fresh for a long time and look extremely attractive.
- On the Scoville Heat Scale, they have marked 50,000 to 100,000 Scoville’s.
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Key Notes:
- Height: 12-15″
- Width: 15-18″
- Spacing: 12-48″
- Days to Maturation: 80-85 Days
- Location: Full Sun
- Water: Average
Step 1: The Growing Stage
- The first step is to know the plant’s love for heat and a humid environment and the need for a long growing season of between 100-130 days.
- When the nighttime temperatures reach 60 degrees Fahrenheit two to three weeks after the last expected frost of the season, plant Thai pepper plants outside.
- Sow the Plant seeds in soil with a well-draining seed starting medium.
- Select a site in full sun with rich, well-draining soil with a pH of 5.5-7.0.
- Plants should be set 12-24 inches (30.5-61 cm.) apart in rows, and make sure that the rows are 24-36 inches (61-91.5 cm.) apart.
Step 2: Thai Pepper Plant Care
- A Thai Pepper Plant requires a lot of care, but once it is established, it requires very little care.
- Remember to keep the seeds moist and warm all the time.
- Place the seeds in a well-exposed window to get maximum light or supplement the light artificially.
- Fertilize the plant immediately after planting, using an all-purpose granular fertilizer.
- Once small peppers begin to form, fertilizer should be applied again.
- A balanced liquid fertilizer should be given to Thai Pepper Plants that are grown in containers.
- It is important to keep the soil moist at all times, and to never allow it to become too dry.
Step 3: Harvesting the Plant
- When Thai peppers are ready, they turn bright red.
- Peppers with firm flesh and vibrant red color that measure between 1″ and 2″ in diameter break easily if pressed gently.
- When harvesting them, use sterilized scissors or a sharp knife to avoid damaging the stem.
- Thai peppers that are not turning red can still be used, but they will not be as hot and spicy as mature red Thai peppers.
- When forecasts for frost suggest picking peppers, pick them before frost arrives. By placing the fruit in a sunny window, you can ripen them afterward.
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Precautions While Handling Thai Pepper Plant:
Smokers should wash their hands before handling Thai Pepper Plants. It’s because it can pass tobacco mosaic disease to the plants.
Be careful where you plant Thai Pepper. Keep plants that are in containers out of reach of children and pets.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the age of Thai pepper plants live?
Thai Pepper Plants live almost between 3-8 years. But, these plants typically produce the major amount of peppers in their first year.
How much sunlight do Thai pepper plants require?
Thai Pepper Plants need full sunlight and protection from direct hotness and heavy dry winds. In short if your plant has outgrown the establishment stage, very less care is required.
How much time does it take for Thai pepper plants to grow?
It takes them about 100-130 days to fully grow and make peppers that can be harvested.
How tall do Thai pepper plants get?
The Thai Pepper Plant is a quite small plant with a usual maximum height of 15 inches.
How long will pepper plants produce peppers?
You can get a lot of fruit from them after the first year. Make sure that the winter season doesn’t harm them. If they are kept in warm climate, your plants will live for 5 years.
Conclusion
In conclusion, we surely recommend planting this amazing and profitable plant and afterward enjoying its hot, sizzling, and heating up taste in your foods or maybe using it as an ornamental plant to take your home decoration game to the next level.
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