How to Care for a Thai Pepper Plant

Overview

Thai hot pepper plants are dual-duty plants, both edible and ornamental. Like all pepper plants, Thai hot pepper plants will thrive in warm weather and plenty of sunshine. The interesting shape and bright colors of the plants make Thai pepper right at home along a border, in a flower bed, or planted in a patio container. The peppers start out as a lovely green color, soon ripening to bright red. Once the plants are established, very little care is required.

Step 1

Plant Thai pepper plants outdoors two to three weeks after the last expected frost of the season, when the nighttime temperatures have reached 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Thai peppers require well-drained soil, full sunlight and protection from hot, dry wind. To grow Thai peppers in containers, choose a container with a drainage hole, and fill the container with all-purpose commercial potting soil.

Step 2

Fertilize Thai pepper plants immediately after planting, using an all-purpose granular fertilizer. Apply fertilizer again when small peppers begin to form. Containerized Thai pepper plants should be fed an all-purpose balanced liquid fertilizer.

Step 3

Keep the soil most at all times, and never allow the soil to become bone dry as excessively dry soil will cause the plant to drop blossoms. It's especially important to water Thai hot peppers during hot, dry weather. Containerized plants may need to be watered twice daily, as the soil in containers dries out quickly.