Table of contents
Thai Chilli Plant Care
Thai chilli plant care will ensure your plant is healthy and productive. Chillis originated in Mexico and were subsequently introduced to Southeast Asia by the Spanish conquistadors hundreds of years ago.
The “Thai Chilli” is also known as the “birds eye chilli”, “prik khee nu” or “bird pepper”.
Thai Ornamental Pepper Scoville
Also known as the ‘Thai ornamental pepper’ this chilli is not only decorative but also packs a considerable heat punch. The peppers typically register between 50,000 to 100,000 Scoville Heat Units (SHU) on the Scoville Scale, making them quite spicy, similar to cayenne peppers or even hotter.
These peppers are often used for both culinary and ornamental purposes, adding color to gardens and heat to dishes.
Because of their heat level, they are well-suited for those who enjoy spicy foods, but they are not as hot as extremely fiery varieties like the habanero or Carolina Reaper.
Thai Chili Plant Stages
You can propagate from seed.
Time needed: 3 minutes
How to grow Thai chilli plant from seed.
- Sowing Seeds
Sow seeds every 10cm (4in) or so.
- Thin
Thin your seedlings out as required. Make sure your remaining seedlings are approximately 50cm (20in) apart.
- Sun and Water
Plant in full sun. Plants will need water regularly. However, water-logging could kill your tree. Hence we recommended loose well draining soil.
- Harvest
Be patient and wait for the chillies to change colour. When they do change, leave the red pods to hang for at least five days so the fructose, spiciness and aroma can develop.
Thai Chilli Plant Indoors
Growing a Thai chilli plant indoors can be quite successful if you provide the right conditions, as these plants thrive in warm, sunny environments. However, sufficient sunlight is essential. Thai chilli plants need at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily. If natural sunlight is insufficient, use grow lights to supplement light for healthy growth.
How to grow Thai Chili Peppers Indoors
We have already outlined how to grow this plant and these rules also apply inside, as do the following tips for growing a healthy plant;.
Location and Soil
Plant in full sun, or at least where the plant will get sun for a good part of the day. Also, plant your seeds in well draining soil. Hence loose soil is a good medium for this plant.
Fertilising
Apply a slow release fertiliser at the time of planting. During the wet season we also apply a liquid seaweed fertiliser monthly.
Watering
Water regularly, but do not overdo it.
Pests and Diseases
This plant is fairly pest resistant, but it can suffer from aphids, mites and white fly.
However, regular application of ‘white oil’ can help address these pests. Indeed white oil is an effective organic pesticide that you can make at home.
Growing Thai chili peppers in pots
While it depends on your soil and growing location, in the tropics we recommend growing herbs in a pot or a container bed. This is regardless of whether you are growing inside or out.
To successfully grow your Thai chilli plant in a container, choose a container with drainage holes. Also make sure to fill the container with an all-purpose commercial potting soil.
We use a green smart wicking bed. This way if we forget to water it for a while, the plant will still have access to water.
Health Benefits
Thai chilli peppers offer a variety of health benefits, primarily due to their rich nutrient and compound content. Here’s how they can support health:
Weight Loss
Birds eye chilli are known to be helpful with weight loss. This is believed to be due to an increase in metabolism.
Fibre
Thai Chilli is high in fibre. Hence it has a positive impact on the digestive system.
Immune System
Furthermore, the high levels of vitamins in this plant makes it a valuable boost to your immune system.
Antioxidants
This herb is rich in antioxidants (especially in its powder form) that can soothe other digestive issues, like upset stomachs, diarrhea, and cramps.
Where to buy thai chilli plant
While you may have the opportunity to purchase from Bunnings or Woolworths, we recommend you buy your plant from your local nursery.
Thai Chilli Woolworths
Woolworths, Bunnings and other large chain stores often sell this plant. However, why not consider supporting a local nursery? They often have what you need and a lot more besides. Also, often local nurseries sell products suited to your local conditions.
Other Tropical Herbs
- Dill
- Grow Basil at Home
- Cilantro
- Garlic Chives Growing
- Ginger
- Lemongrass
- Mint
- Stevia
- Tumeric
- Vietnamese Mint Growing (laksa leaf)