Climate

Chillies can be grown under tropical and sub-tropical climates. It can be cultivated upto an altitude of 2000m. However, pungent varieties or varieties suited for spices cannot be grown on higher altitudes. A warm humid climate favours growth while warm and dry weather enhances fruit maturity. It can be grown successfully as a rain-fed crop in areas receiving an annual rainfall of 850-1200 mm. Heavy rainfall leads to poor fruit set and in association with high humidity leads to rotting of fruits.

• Pungent chillies are susceptible to frost.
• A soil temperature of 10°C retards plant development, where as 17°C causes normal development. A temperature ranging from 20-25°C is ideal for chillies.
• Tops of plant will continue to develop at higher temperatures but root development is retarded at soil temperatures of 30°C and above.
• In chillies fruit development was found to be adversely affected at temperatures of 37°C or more.
• High temperature associated with low relative humidity at flowering increases the transpiration resulting in abscission of buds, flowers and small fruits.
• Average high night temperature was found to be responsible for the high capsaicin content.
• A day length of 9-10 hours light stimulates plant growth and increases the productivity by 21 - 24% besides improving the quality of capsicum.

Soils

Chillies are grown in a variety of soils provided they are well drained, well aerated and rich in organic matter. The drained conditions cause shedding of leaves, sickly appearance and fruit drop. Can be grown successfully in light textures soils by providing adequate irrigation and manuring. Heavy textured soils are also suitable for rainfed crop. An ideal soil for chilli is light loamy or sandy loam rich in lime and organic matters. Strongly acid and alkaline soils are not suitable for chilli growing. Chilli can be successfully grown in soils with soil pH of 6-7.

• In acid soils liming is beneficial.
• High salinity reduces germination and vigour of plants.