Thai chile
Capsicum annuum
Also known asPrik kee noo · Thai pepper · Bird pepper (note: also used for C. frutescens types) · Prik chee fa
Environment
The bounded range this crop tolerates. Strict on light; outside the DLI band, yields drop sharply.
Climate and zones
- USDA zones
- 5–12 (winter low around -29°C)
- Frost
- frost sensitive (dies at first frost)
- Season
- warm (summer, frost-sensitive)
Growing systems
Root mass: moderate.
Growing media
| Medium | pH effect | Retention | Bacterial surface |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expanded clay pebbles (LECA) | neutral / inert | low | high |
| Coco coir (Coconut coir) | slightly acidic | high | moderate |
| Perlite (Expanded volcanic glass) | neutral / inert | very low | low |
| Rockwool (Mineral wool) | alkaline until pre-soaked | very high | low |
| Soil-based mix (Potting soil) | varies | high | high |
Nutrient demand by stage
NPK ratios are relative weights. EC targets shift through the plant's life.
| Stage | N | P | K | EC (mS/cm) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| seedling | 2 | 1 | 1 | 1.2 |
| vegetative | 3 | 1 | 2 | 1.8 |
| flowering | 1 | 2 | 3 | 2.2 |
| fruiting | 1 | 2 | 3 | 2.4 |
Companion-growing notes
- Heavy uptake of potassium, calcium. Co-grown crops with the same demand will end up deficient even at "correct" EC.
Aquaponics suitability
Compatible
Fish waste provides enough nitrogen for healthy growth. Supplemental potassium, calcium, and iron may still be needed depending on fish stocking density.
Care notes
A compact, prolific pepper for small hydroponic systems, with culture much like bird's eye chiles. EC 1.8-2.6 mS/cm. pH 6.0-6.8. Temperature: 24–32°C. High light (DLI 22-30 mol/m2/day). Plants are small enough for a windowsill, countertop or vertical system. From transplant to first fruit: 70-90 days, with each plant producing 100-200 or more small peppers over a season. Harvest green for green curry paste and red for red curry paste and drying. The tiny peppers dry quickly: spread on a screen or dehydrate at 55°C until brittle, then grind into the chile flakes used in Thai cooking (prik pon). For curry paste, pound fresh Thai chiles with garlic, shallots, lemongrass, galangal, kaffir lime zest and other aromatics in a mortar. A few plants supply a household's Thai cooking year-round.