Forum home› Plants
This Forum will close on Wednesday 27 March, 2024. Please refer to the announcement on the Discussions page for further detail.

Best soil mix for potting up chilli plants

BluebelltimeBluebelltime Posts: 196
in Plants
I'm going to pot up my chillies plants which are about 20cm high now. What's the best soil mix for chillies ? 

Posts

  • BobTheGardenerBobTheGardener Posts: 11,385
    I just use MPC with good results.  They prefer to be potted-on several times, into steadily increasing pot sizes, as they can 'sulk' (stop growing for a period) if planted into too large a pot.
    I use 7cm pots then 12cm before they go into their final pot.
    A trowel in the hand is worth a thousand lost under a bush.
  • JennyJJennyJ Posts: 10,576
    Timely advice, thanks @BobTheGardener . Mine are currently in 7cm but just about ready for something bigger.
    Doncaster, South Yorkshire. Soil type: sandy, well-drained
  • ObelixxObelixx Posts: 30,090
    I suspect they'd be happy in a loam based compost too as I grow my chillies in the soil in the polytunnel which we improve each spring with a good thick layer of home made garden compost and then a generous sprinkle of granular tomato feed at planting time.

    The RHS advises MPC in its info but the key is regular watering and adequate feeding.
    https://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/grow-your-own/vegetables/chilli-pepper  
    Vendée - 20kms from Atlantic coast.
    "The price good men (and women) pay for indifference to public affairs is to be ruled by evil men (and women)."
    Plato
  • BluebelltimeBluebelltime Posts: 196
    What about john innes 2 or even 3?
  • BobTheGardenerBobTheGardener Posts: 11,385
    I would say JI#2 would be better as it's more free-draining.  I forgot to say that I add some perlite if the compost I happen to use seems a bit 'claggy'.
    A trowel in the hand is worth a thousand lost under a bush.
  • ObelixxObelixx Posts: 30,090
    If that's what you have they should be fine but 3 for preference as it has more nutrients and mix it with up 4 parts JI with one part MPC for moisture retention.
    Vendée - 20kms from Atlantic coast.
    "The price good men (and women) pay for indifference to public affairs is to be ruled by evil men (and women)."
    Plato
  • BluebelltimeBluebelltime Posts: 196
    Thanks, that is useful. 
Sign In or Register to comment.