How to grow chillies

An essential guide to growing these colourful fruits in your garden or in pots on windowsills

Growing chillies from seed

  • Chillies are best grown in pots. Sow the seeds from March onwards in seed-raising compost and keep in a glasshouse, conservatory or on a windowsill in strong sunlight. They need temperatures of 23-25°C to germinate.
  • Prick out when seedlings have several leaves, then feed with a weak seaweed fertiliser. Pot on a month later and pinch out seedlings at 15-20cm to encourage branching.
  • Outside, keep pots against a south-facing wall or on a sheltered terrace; bring inside in cool or rainy weather, as chilli plants cannot tolerate low temperatures.
  • Be aware that chillies are susceptible to slugs and snails.
  • Large-fruited cultivars will need staking.

Chosen by House to home

Housetohome's guide to growing chillies in your home garden