Chili Business in South Africa

Is there a market for chillies in South Africa?

Generally, there is a niche market for Habañero chillies. The South African chilli market is small and traditional, looking for a dark green or red chilli of medium size. “It has taken nearly twenty years for the South African consumer to change from the old Cayenne Long Slim variety to varieties bred by large overseas companies.

How many chillies do you get per hectare?

Green chillies should average 10 tons to 12 tons per hectare, with good yields of 15 tons and more per hectare. If picked weekly in the fresh red stage, and then dried, average dried yields are 2 tons to 3 tons, with good yields about 6 tons.

How many chillies can you get per acre?

The yield of Fresh chilli varies from 30-40 quintal per acre. We get 25-35 Kg of dried chilli from 100 Kg of fresh chilli. Average yield of dry chilli varies from 7.5 to 10 quintals per acre.

How do Chillies grow in South Africa?

“Chillies” are usually grown straight from seed, which should be sown in trays or small pots in spring once the last frost is over. Sow your chilli seeds from August to November in most parts of SA – in areas where there could be late frost, it’s safer to wait for September.

How much money can you make selling peppers?

Hot Pepper seedlings sell for anywhere from $5-15, depending on your geography. The individual peppers however,   can sell from R53.24– R124.23 each, and each plant can yield 50-100 pods depending on the type.

Can I grow chillies in winter in South Africa?

No. In South Africa our chilli grow season ranges from first weeks of October until first weeks of May (weather depending). Unfortunately chillies will go dormant and even die off if exposed to winter temperatures – in particular sub-zero temperatures.

Which chillies are the hottest in South Africa?

The fatalii Chilli peppers are known to be the hottest chilli peppers. Scoville Heat Units: 125,000-325,000 SHU. The Fatalii comes from central and southern Africa, and is one of the hottest peppers in the world.

Where can I sell chillies in South Africa?

• South African Chilli Importers

https://importer.tradekey.com/southafrica/chilli.htm

• CHILLI HEAD

https://www.chillihead.co.za/

Chillihead sells Quality Natural Chilli Seeds for the home grower. They specialize in Rare and Unusual Heirloom, Landrace, Hybrid  and Wild chilli cultivars from around the world. And all their chilli seeds are harvested from Open Pollinated as well as Secluded plants, locally grown following good growing principles.

• Magnet international

https://magnetinternational.co.za/product/Dry_Red_Chilies

They sell Dry Red Chilies for sale from South African origin.