Chili Farming

If you want to engage in chili farming, it would be best to learn the basics of how to plant chilies. There are some important considerations to ensure a successful chili farm.

You will need to invest money, effort, and time so that the chilies can grow healthily. Good luck with your farm!

fresh chilies

How to Plant Chilies

Do you have the skills to grow chilies? If you do, you can start your own chili farm and earn some money. If you live in a warm region, you can start chili farming. You will need your own greenhouse especially if you want to plant many chilies. You see, chilies are usually grown in grow bags or in pots. There are advantages to using chili when cooking certain foods. Chilies are rich in Vitamin C and it also helps in boosting the metabolism. After eating foods that contain chilies, you will surely feel energized! To have a successful chili farm, you should learn the steps in planting the chilies.

Chilies are similar to bell peppers but they have a fiery flavor. You can sow chilies beginning in the month of March if you prefer indoor farming. For each seeding tray, you can place three seeds. But if you are planning to plant the chilies outdoors, you will need to wait until the month of April. The chilies are best grown inside the greenhouse to ensure that it is protected from the cold winds. The chilies in the tray should be transplanted to larger pots, preferably 8” to 10”. For grow bags, the chilies should be at least 25cm apart.

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How to Grow Chilies for Profit

The chilies should be planted in an area where they can get adequate sunlight. You also need to ensure that the temperature doesn’t drop below 15˚C or else the growth of the chilies is inhibited. Use fertile and well-drained soil for your pots and you can also use organic compost so that moisture is retained. Never soak the soil of the pots so you need to water 2-3 times every week. Overwatering is the primary cause of rotting roots, so this is a very important consideration.

When you see flowers, this means that chilies will begin to appear after a couple of weeks! Bush-like chili plants can be achieved by cutting the tips of the plant when it is already 6” tall. Chilies are colored green and after several weeks, the fruits will turn red. Harvest the chilies before they shrivel. Here’s a tip – the longer the chilies remain attached to the plant, the fierier they become. Fruits can be frozen for later use. When handling chilies, make sure that you wash your hands thoroughly to avoid any contact with the eyes. After harvesting, you can now prepare spicy recipes that you can enjoy with your family. The excess chilies can be sold for profit.

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315 Comments

  • Beatrice Cheruiyot said on February 8, 2011
    i live in the coastal region of mombasa in kenya and want to farm chilli for commercial purposes. please advice how to go about it. how is it exported and which countries import chilli?
  • ashneel kumar said on March 3, 2011
    i'm an agriculture student currently doing a diploma in agriculture an i'm doing a chili farm business plan can u please send me a detailed 5years chilli farm business plan
  • Catherine Mwangi said on April 1, 2011
    Hi, i live in Nairobi and want to venture into chilli farming. Please send me a chilli business plan
  • Dorcas said on April 14, 2011
    I am a consultant in Horticultural production and related matters. Please contact me incase you still need help. Regards
  • Miriam Nafwa said on May 10, 2011
    I am interested in chilli farming and would like to receive a business plan.
  • David said on June 3, 2011
    I have land in Narumoro near Nanyuki and am interested in chilli farming for export.Please assist with a business plan and advice.
  • RWIGAMBA THARCISSE said on July 22, 2011
    I'm rwandan, i have land and i'm interested in chili farming; Please assist with a business plan and advice advice and how to export it. Good regards Rwigamba Tharcisse Kigali, Rwanda, Rwanda
  • Willie said on August 25, 2011
    I'm Farming in Zambia, and would like to broaden my crops to include chilli. Is there a business plan or more detail somewhere for me to follow up? Any help is appreciated Willie
  • lloyd said on October 25, 2011
    i have a land in meru specifically in chuka and am interested in farming chilli but am not sure of the market to supply to..can someone help me please..i really appreciate
  • Bongiwe gumede said on February 6, 2012
    Kwazulu Natal,Stanger we have a land already has planted chillies would like to expand would need a business plan template to grow this land bigger.
  • Elsje Baasden said on February 8, 2012
    I am interested in farming chillies commercially, could you perhaps send me the 5 year plan? I am from the Rustenburg area of North West in South Africa.
  • lufunyo mvungi said on February 15, 2012
    I live in moshi north tanzania. I would like to start farming chilli for commercial purposes. please kindly advice. thank you
  • judy schafer said on March 12, 2012
    I live near Port Eliabeth South Africa and have a small farm in Botswana,. Could you please assist me with a business plan and all information pertaining to growing chillies for export. Thank you
  • Steve van Vuuren said on March 19, 2012
    I stay in Cape Town and will soon be moving to Botswana to farm with chilies. Could you please forward me a 5 year business plan, all info on permaculture philosophy. This will be for local use and export. Thank you
  • SALLY said on April 7, 2012
    North manchester location...however we have 11 acres of land that needs to be put to use. I will have to invest in large polytunnels
  • claudius kurtna omoro said on May 4, 2012
    kindly mail me a business plan for chilli farming
  • Derick said on May 6, 2012
    i'm in rustenburg and want to start chillies or whats the best. Please can u give me more info. how much must i plant to cover all my costs. Thanks
  • Francis G. Manyibe said on May 10, 2012
    I have a small scale farm at Birongo near Keroka Town nyamira county Kenya. I have started growing chilli ( Red Bullet ) but what to go into contract farming. that is I need a Company that will contract me and other farmers so that we can grow large volumes. the Crop is doing well. I will be pleased if I will get a business plan on the same. showing economical acreage and volumes based on historical prices. What is the expected average production per plant per month? Thanks Francis
  • sarah mbogho said on May 15, 2012
    i am living in migori, kenya. i want to start to grow chilli the african bird's eye. i am requesting for all information on chilli production. my aim after three years of production of fresh chilli, i start making chilli sauces in the mean time i'd like to sell it locally here in migori, package it and sell to the local supermarkets since people prefer the fresh chilli than the chilli sauces. i'd also like to get a 5years business plan on the same thank you.
  • Alex polley said on May 25, 2012
    Hello my name is Alex and I live in east anglia, Norfolk, in the uk. I am situated in the the northern hemisphere. I have been growing chilli's for a few years now and I am extremely passionate about growing the plants and also cooking with them. I realize I would have to purchase some polly tunnels to grow them on a large scale. I was hoping u could give me some advice on the legal requirements and a general business model. Yours faithfully Al
  • loice tonui said on May 30, 2012
    Hello. Many thanks for this site.I live in Bomet county and want to venture into Chilli/pepper farming. Am very serious, and will want to eventually introduce to other farmers in this area, and will appreciate your advise, where to get seeds, how to plant/care and market. thanks
  • cachaka Ndenis said on June 8, 2012
    Please I need to start Chilli farming in Kajiado in a two acre farm. Kindly advice on how to go about it and the likely income from a two acre farm. Thanks
  • gdfhy hhgfh said on June 22, 2012
    I have 6 acres in indonesia and want to farm chilis for export, how do I go about it?
  • Samuel said on June 29, 2012
    Send me Business plan for chilli
  • Maggie said on July 4, 2012
    I have a 5 acre farm in Western Kenya just above the equator and i want to farm chillis for export. Kindly send me Business plan for Chilli, Additionally i would be grateful to know where i can acquire the seed,Thanks
  • anne muriungi said on July 17, 2012
    hi i'm interested in bullet chilli farming for commercial purposes i have a five acre piece of land along kangundo road slightly past joskar kindly advise how to go about it and how to export
  • Natalie said on July 30, 2012
    Hi, I'm from Malaysia. I have a land with few acres. Could you provide the starting cost for chili farming? what I need to prepare for the set up? Is greenhouse is a must to set up? Thanks a lot.
  • Tafadzwa said on August 2, 2012
    Hi, I own 3 hactares of land in Manicaland, Zimbabwe. i want to farm chillies for export. Kindly send me a small scale Business plan for Chilli, Additionally i would be grateful to know where i can acquire the seed, including the potential export market. thanks
  • Alfred said on August 3, 2012
    Hi, I own 6ha of farmland in nanyuki. i want to farm chillis for export and local market. Kindly email business plan for chilli.
  • Greentech Farm said on August 6, 2012
    I am planning to plant chilli in a greenhouse and I do not know how. Can I get some advice on the costing and technical skill. I intend to plant it in a commercial scale. My location is situated in east coast of Malaysia
  • Joelle said on August 12, 2012
    Hi there, I live in Mauritius and want to start a chilli farm. Can you please help? Cheers J.
  • sarah gobey said on August 15, 2012
    Western Cape south africa, please can you let me have business plan and growing help on chillis, would love to grow hydroponically
  • Clare Stott said on August 24, 2012
    Hi I'm devising field trials for growing African Bird's Eye Chili in the Ganze region of Kenya near Kilifi District. We plan to grow the Chilis commencing in the 2013 long rains - around April time. I am currently trying to calculate the costs per acre. I need to know the costs for nursery establishment - so how much seed will need to be grown in the nursery to plant 1 acre of chilis outside once the seedlings are ready. Also, how many plants can be grown on 1 acre of land. Many thanks
  • Ernst roche erasmus said on August 29, 2012
    Hi there I am in Pretoria South Africa. I need a business plan. I have a BEE business partner so I will be sorted. It's my best friend. We love human rights so we will be sorted with our workers although I know first we will have to work ourselves please give me some more advice.
  • rochelle said on September 10, 2012
    Hi, i'm from South Africa and interested to chilli farming. Please advise if my country is the best or good place to start this kindly of business.
  • rochelle said on September 10, 2012
    hi, i'm in South africa, gauteng pretoria. I would like some information on chilli farming is it god or bad, and where do i start with it? Which area in my country will be good, and if it will make good business? Thank you in advance.
  • Ben Notes said on October 8, 2012
    I am going to start growing chillies on 2 hectars that I am preparing for the purpose. The farm is located 45 km northwest of Thabazimbi in Limpopo province. The soil I chose for this purpose is well drained. Any advice will be appreciated
  • Miguel Alves said on October 10, 2012
    I own a Spar store in Cape Town and am interested in buying chillies. If anyone has fresh chillies available ( especially different variants -Habanero, Thai etc) they can contact me on 083 778 7273 or 021-422 1577 (07hr00-21hr00)
  • khadananda said on October 19, 2012
    hi i live in nepal i like chillies plz help me i don't know anything about farm so i'm new in this sector so plz send me detail by mail
  • nkhumeleni said on October 23, 2012
    hellos i just wanna know about the market, price of chilies. i am a BSC AGRI student who is in trend to grow chilies i the ten hectares. can you kindly give the advice in terms of the above and related matters. thanks
  • Samaya D.R. Paudel said on November 10, 2012
    i have some lands in bara district, narayani zone of nepal and i wanna start the chilli gfarm please assist me with business plan and possibility of chilli farming in country like ours
  • Nancy mutalemwa said on November 14, 2012
    Hi am interested in commercial chilli farming I have 5 acres , with 2 drip irrigation could you please assist business plan ,am from bagamoyo , coast region , Tanzania
  • Ibrahim Otieno said on November 21, 2012
    My names are as above. I have land in Siaya District, want to know more about chili farming.
  • Sophia Ndunge said on November 23, 2012
    I am in Nairobi Kenya and wish to learn more on chilli farming, varieties, different methods of farming chillies and marketing. Hi Dorcas, i would like to talk to you too on horticulture consultancy. pls contact me.
  • Korir Nicholas Muge said on November 27, 2012
    I live in Sogoo location in Narok South District, Kenya. I have 0.5 acre of bullet chillis but have lacked buyers. Now I have several bags of dry bullets which I don't know what to do with them since I have not even herd seeds buyers. The crop is still fruiting and flowering and I am a member of a legally registered group. Truly speaking the person who introduced the project to us went away and never bothered to buy our produce. So I am looking for a possible exporters of the crop produce to sign contract with and do business. We have seeds in plenty. Please advice
  • Fainess Kiwia said on November 30, 2012
    My name is Fainess Kiwia. I am a Tanzanian woman who is so much interested in producing ABE CHILI AND ROSELLA at Kiwangwa, coast region, Tanzania. I have started the initial processes of cleaning the farm and my plans are to start the farming early next year.

    I have contacted my friend, a lecturer at the University of Morogoro, TANZANIA and he said the weather is suitable. I am also thinking of advising the nearby people to do the same. My main problem is how to get the market for the products. Please advice me. I would also want to try to cultivate vanilla at the same farm. So far i have a nursery of 800 vanilla seedlings at my home place which i will shift them to my farm next raining season , april 2013. The weather at Kiwangwa is almost the same as that of Malindi, Kenya, and Malindi producer are doing very good. My farm has a lot of trees so i will use them as plant supports for vanilla vines. Please advice me. Fainess
  • Ritesh said on December 2, 2012
    I am based in kenya we do large scale wheat and maize farming but want to venture into chilli farming can you please provide additional information including business plans. Do chilli require a lot of water? We have large dam to irrigate but we are in a very hot but low rainfall area but gets cold to possible frost at night can it be grown out doors or green houses best?
  • altaf alidina said on December 3, 2012
    Lindi rural. interested in farming chillies. land size 300 acres.
    1. what is the approx yield per acre of land ?
    2. what is the going price for chillies, in kgs
    3. cost of growing in kgs
  • Rick Cockcroft said on December 10, 2012
    Hi , I live in the karoo, eastern cape, South Africa. I would like info on growing chillies and where to get hot chilli seeds. Any Business plans for South Africa would be a great help ; )
  • Sharon Louw said on December 13, 2012
    I live in Pretoria and I am looking for Chilli Bell Peppers in bloom for the 16th February 2013 I can send you a photo I just want 5 - 7 for presents. Could you please let me know if you can help. I do have a photograph that I am looking for. Even if it is from Cape Town. Thanks so much, Sharon Louw
  • linus rop said on December 17, 2012
    Hi, i live in trans nzoia county and am interested in growing chilli kindly advice urgently need to plan for next year.
    1. what is the approx yield per acre of land ?
    2. what is the going price for chillies, in kgs
    3. cost of growing in kgs
  • Lindiwe zuma said on December 29, 2012
    Hai i'm lindiwe zuma live in Kwazulu Natal i'm interested in farming chillies kindly assist me with information. south africa
  • paul israel said on January 7, 2013
    I stay in Cape town, Paarl, S.A. I have 10 hectares of land in Malawi...how many ABE chilli seeds will I need to cover the land? I would like to export to U.S.A and Europe can u supply me with Potential Markets please? Thank you, God Bless!
  • Priscilla Ojambo said on January 16, 2013
    Hello am interested in commercial chilli farming I have 1 acres ,and planning to apply drip irrigation. could you please assist with business plan and advice, am from Kampala ,Uganda. Priscilla
  • hastings manase said on January 16, 2013
    Hi, i stay in Malawi, and am interested in chilli farming, please assist me with full information.
  • Pieter said on January 17, 2013
    Good day, I want to plant chillies, can you send for me a proper guide to plant and also a business plant on chillies, I got 1 hac. Also what is the profit margin in chillies, thanks for your advice ,greetings
  • Martin said on January 23, 2013
    I am interested in doing chilli farming in transmara(upto 5 acres). bullet chillies or red cayenne will do. Please provide me all necessary details
  • Pieter Wiese said on January 23, 2013
    I am from Boschkop in South Africa, I have land and tunnels available for chilly farming and would appreciate a guide and business plan. I am looking at between 2 to 4 300m2 tunnels and 4 ha of open land. Please provide me with the necessary detail.
  • Margaret said on January 26, 2013
    Hi my name is Margaret from Kenya. I have a farm in naivasha and I want to grow cayenne pepper for a profit. Please advise me with a business plan. How to grow and market them. Thanks
  • mari said on January 31, 2013
    Hello, I'm looking for Chilli farmers, that are interested to do business. contact gosaveshop@gmail.com.
  • Anne Muasya said on January 31, 2013
    Hi. I would like to farm chillies for export. Kindly tell me where to get seeds for bullet chillies and how to get a market for the same. I have two acres of land but will start on one acre. Could you give me a business plan and also an idea of how long the crop takes to mature. I live in Nairobi , Kenya. Thank you for your help.
  • Anne Muasya said on January 31, 2013
    Kenya. Nairobi. I have a farm in Machakos which is quite warm all the year round. Kenya is in East Africa.
  • Harrison said on February 9, 2013
    Hi, I am from Voi Kenya near Mombasa where the climate is suitable for growing chillis. I would like to start a chilli farm, specializing in dried red chilli for export. Where can I get the market? Please advice.
  • coen vermaak said on February 11, 2013
    i am interested in farming chillies commercially, could you perhaps send me the 5 year plan/ 1 am from the Tzaneen area (Limpopo) in South Africa, also the cost of growing in kgs ,the harvesting / m'2 in kgs .
  • pepukayi chidanyika said on February 14, 2013
    I hope I find you well, i would like to venture into farming chillies for export. i am in harare, zimbabwe, and I kindly ask for information on chillies and a 5 year business plan for a 3 ha project. I would be grateful to know where I can acquire seed, which varieties have potential and also the potential markets.
  • Marianne said on February 19, 2013
    Hi can you send me more tips on how to plant and grow chillies. I have no background in farming and I want to start a farming business this coming March. can you send more tips, blog sites to marianne_gel@yahoo.com thanks!
  • Johnson Loh said on February 21, 2013
    I am interested in farming chillies, can you send me a business plan?
  • Mary said on February 21, 2013
    Hi. I am in Nairobi, Kenya and I would like to venture into farming chillies for export. Kindly assist me with the necessary information. Thank you
  • Gerald said on February 27, 2013
    Am Gerald living along the Lake victoria i would like to venture into farming hot chillies for export and i own 10 acres of land kindly assist me how to do it and where can i find seeds.
  • sandra makoasha said on March 5, 2013
    I started chilli farming last year and i am currently taking my chilli's to the market to be sold,however the I am making a loss instead of a profit. could it be possible for you to email me suggestions regarding ways to turn my chilli loss to a profit.I am from South African and my chilli farm is an average of 3 hectares,please send me a business plan regarding chilli farming.
  • Theo du Plessis said on March 8, 2013
    Hi. I am starting to farm with chillies at Groot Marico in the Northwest of South Africa. Please help with a business plan for production on 5 hectares.
  • Sean van Zyl said on March 11, 2013
    I am looking for a business plan for 4 hectares of chilli. Could you email me through your business plan for South Africa. We will be based in Fochville close to Potchefstroom in the Freestate, South Africa.
  • Tariq Salim Karim said on March 17, 2013
    My location is between Karachi and Hyderabad with the temperature varies between 26 Centigrade to 45 centigrade. Area is 50 acres of land
  • rebecca bosompem said on March 18, 2013
    my location is accra ghana. kindly send me a business plan for chili production which will be exported to other countries for 2 hectares of land
  • marcus said on March 23, 2013
    Hi I'm Marcus from polokwane in limpopo, I used to plough chilli and sell it to locals so now I have a land and I want to expand in a way I can even export, I need a business plan, right now I'm busy with registering the business,
  • Bella said on March 29, 2013
    Hi we live in Gordon's Bay, Helderberg, Western Cape, South Africa. Currently we make chilli sauce and bottled olives which we produce. We are considering expanding our variety to encompass a wider market. Please can you send us a business plan and the best way to go about it. We live on a hectare with 2 tunnels. Many thanks and much appreciation.
  • Philip Welman said on April 9, 2013
    I am interested in chilli farming and I am currently located in Gauteng area, but are considering to relocated to Burgersdorp in the Eastern Cape due to family matters. I would like to get assistance on a business plan and possible market advise. Please advise on the best location and on how to get into the market. Kind regards
  • derrick said on April 9, 2013
    My name is derick thomas a young and up coming farmer from Pietermaritzburg,KZN south africa. I would apprieciate Advice,a five year business plan and the legalities and operational costs of the 2 hectare site.
  • justin said on April 10, 2013
    hello im justin from durban. i'm looking for farmers who have chillies to supply me. or who willing to plant them an supply me. i can take 4.5tons of chillies per week if price is right.
  • justin said on April 10, 2013
    if there any farmers willing to supply me chillies 4.5tons per week. justin.o.perumal@gmail.com
  • ntokozo nxumalo said on April 13, 2013
    i'm ntokozo nxumalo like to farm chili please assist me with on formation alsa like to have my own necessary
  • Mpume Shabalala said on April 15, 2013
    Hi, My mother and I have started to grow chillies and we have big land to plough more chillies. We are actually looking for customers and grow our business. Please assist us to develop this business. We are based in KZN - Hammarsdale. Available on: mpumesanta@yahoo.com or 083 659 3293
  • Sam Mang'anda said on April 18, 2013
    I have almost 20 hectors of land and I would like to go into farming chillies especially the Cheyenne Chillies.

    I need:
    1. A business plan for the farm and farming details.
    2. An export market for my chillies.
    Please assist me.
  • carol said on April 19, 2013
    hi would like to grow chillie for commercial purposes on about an acre am located in kampala uganda
  • noutchet sandrine said on April 24, 2013
    Hi I am a student in project management in Ivory Cost i have in project to go into farming chillies in Ghana where i own a land i need 1-a business plan for the farm and farming details
  • Olive Mawindo said on May 3, 2013
    I have grown chili and am looking for a market. Kindly advise how I can go about exporting it.
  • Rick said on May 7, 2013
    Hello folks, I live in Pearston, Eastern Cape in South Africa. Can anybody help me with business plan? And where I can obtain seeds for the hotter types? Thank you Rick
  • Florence said on May 10, 2013
    Hi am in Kenya, my home area is very hot but i would like to do chili farming. Kindly send me a business plan.
  • Michael Cheong said on May 20, 2013
    We are starting a trial plot of chillies. How to control the pest at minimum cost ?
  • fiona achieno said on May 22, 2013
    i have a 2 acre in kitale and would like some info on chilly farming.
  • omawindo said on May 23, 2013
    My location is Lilongwe, Central Region of Malawi. I chilli, my original plan was to sell it locally. However, due to rising labour costs selling it locally is not making business sense therefore would like to export it. Any export opportunities would be much appreciated.
  • lekota Mokonyama said on May 24, 2013
    hi. I live in Cape Town South Africa. Could you please provide me with a 5 year plan business template on how to grow chillies. Many thanks
  • Mary Muthoni said on May 26, 2013
    Hello, I am based in Nairobi have a 1/2 acre land at the outskirts of the city. Could you please provide information on chilli farming requirements, markets and standard profitability margins for both local and international markets
  • Aurelio Salas said on June 6, 2013
    Hello, I am from the Philippines. I have a 3 hectare land and i would like to plant chillies for export. Kindly send me info about this matter. Thank you, Mr. Salas
  • Nancy said on June 15, 2013
    I'm based in Nairobi Kenya and i'm interested in farming chillies. Kindly provide me with a 5 year business plan and info on local and international markets
  • Toni said on June 17, 2013
    Hi i'm gonna be in hungary really keen on making a business with chiile farming. Would be great to get insight into the market in europe. Thank you.
  • durga said on June 27, 2013
    Hello sir, i am interested in Chilli farming in western Nepal ,i hope for your kind guidance ,business plan and its marketing value, thanks with regards durga
  • Dawda Baldeh said on June 28, 2013
    Dear sir/ Madam i am Gambian based in the Eastern part of the Gambia, am very much interested in farming the chile pepper please send a five detail business plan on international and local market.
  • PEET RENS said on July 3, 2013
    GOOD DAY . I STAY IN CAPE TOWN SOUTH-AFRICA AND WOULD LIKE TO GROW CHILIES IN PLASTIC TUNNELS. COULD YOU PROVIDE ME WITH A BUSINESS PLAN. KIND REGARDS. PEET
  • Salma said on July 8, 2013
    My name is Salma and i am currently located in Mombasa I want red bullet chillies for sell. Kindly assist me. Thank you in advance.

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