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Green chillies are a kitchen staple, but rising prices have made many hesitant to buy them. Here’s an easy, low-cost way to grow your own at home in a pot or bucket
Erratic rainfall, crop damage, and a surge in fertiliser prices have led to a drop in green chilli production and a rise in prices. (Local18)
These days green chillies have gone from kitchen staple to luxury item, and they’re burning more than just tongues. In several districts of Madhya Pradesh, including Khandwa, prices have surged to an astonishing Rs 180 to Rs 200 per kg. The situation is so dire that you now get only four to five chillies for Rs 10 in the local vegetable market. This price hike has left many homemakers wondering: should we stop using green chillies altogether?
A staple in Indian kitchens, green chillies are essential for everyday cooking. But their soaring cost has made people think twice before buying them. Fortunately, there’s a simple and cost-effective desi solution that you can grow your own green chilli plant at home, right in a pot on your rooftop or balcony. You don’t need any fancy fertilisers or expensive gardening kits. All it takes are two easily available household items to get started.
In recent months, erratic rainfall, crop damage, and a surge in diesel and fertiliser prices have led to a drop in green chilli production. Meanwhile, demand has remained steady, causing prices to skyrocket in districts like Khandwa, Burhanpur, and Harda. But you can sidestep this price rise by growing green chillies at home. Here’s how:
What You’ll Need
- A medium-sized pot or bucket (with drainage holes)
- Garden soil or any good-quality soil
- Seeds from leftover chillies (fresh or dried)
- Buttermilk water and wood ash
Step-by-Step Guide
Prepare The Seeds: Dry leftover green chillies from your kitchen for two days and extract the seeds. Soak the seeds in water for 24 hours to encourage faster germination.
Prepare The Pot: Sprinkle some wood ash at the bottom of the pot. Ash keeps the soil soft and helps prevent the leaves from drying or scorching in the sun.
Add Soil And Buttermilk: Fill the pot with soil and pour in some buttermilk. Buttermilk acts as a natural fertiliser and balances the soil’s pH level.
Sow The Seeds: Plant the seeds an inch apart and lightly cover them with a layer of soil.
Water Carefully: Water the pot lightly every morning. Avoid overwatering, as it can rot the seeds.
Results
Small saplings will begin to appear within a week. In 30 to 40 days, the plants will start to flower and gradually bear chillies. If you continue adding buttermilk and ash every 10 days, you can harvest fresh green chillies 10 to 15 times from a single pot.
Tips to Keep in Mind
- Do not grow more than four plants in one pot for healthy growth
- If buttermilk isn’t available daily, add it at least once a week
- Place the pot in a sunny area that receives 5–6 hours of sunlight daily
With just a bit of effort, you can enjoy fresh, chemical-free chillies straight from your home garden, and save significantly in the long run.
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