Guide
Keen on chilli? Sow quickly now!
by Darina Schweizer
Growing chillies: how not to do it
24.9.2025
Translation: Jessica Johnson-Ferguson
Pictures: Darina Schweizer
From etiolated stems to yellow leaves: how I botched a chilli experiment on my balcony. Brace yourself for some searing self-criticism.
Chillies and I are like chocolate and pickles – we’re just not good together. Honestly, I’m not even a big fan of their taste. Sure, they’re spicy, but also strangely tasteless. However, they’re popular in the Galaxus Community and there are also some chilli fans in my family, so I thought I’d sow some seeds on my balcony to see what they give.
Let’s put it this way: the result wasn’t exactly mind-blowing.
A little boost
...organic liquid fertiliser. If I’d given the chillies a highly diluted dose, it would’ve given them a much-needed boost. But I only did that once and then forgot about it again.
More space
Finally, a slightly larger outer pot would probably have helped overall. In chilli forums, one with capacity of around six litres is recommended (page in German).
My bad, is all I can say. I’m also hoping my three scrawny pods will still have a growth spurt by the last possible harvest time in October. Next year, I’ll be better at this, I swear. And if I fail again, I’ll eat a bar of chocolate with pickles.
Have you been more successful at growing your own chillies? Thanks for sharing your tips in the comments below.
Darina Schweizer
Senior Editor
Darina.Schweizer@digitecgalaxus.chI like anything that has four legs or roots. The books I enjoy let me peer into the abyss of the human psyche. Unlike those wretched mountains that are forever blocking the view – especially of the sea. Lighthouses are a great place for getting some fresh air too, you know?
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