Back to Results
Fruit
Chilli Pepper

Chilli Peppers in Barnfields

Capsicum annuum

Chilli peppers are tender perennials grown as annuals in the UK, requiring a long, warm season. They thrive in a greenhouse or a sunny, sheltered outdoor spot, producing fruits that range from mild to intensely hot depending on variety and growing conditions.

Height60cm
SunlightFull Shade
WaterHigh Water

Growing Guide

Step-by-step instructions for growing Chilli Pepper

Planting Calendar

Seed IndoorLater
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
TransplantLater
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
FertiliseNow
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
HarvestNow
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
MaintenanceLater
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D

Growing Guide for

Change the guide to see different planting timelines and tips.

Grow chillies in a greenhouse for the best results in the UK's cool climate, providing warmth and protection from the elements.

  1. Sow Seeds Indoors

    29 Jan – 13 Feb

    Sow seeds in a heated propagator at from 29th January - 13th February. Use seed compost and cover to a depth of . Keep moist and expect germination in 7-14 days.

  2. Prick Out Seedlings

    19 Feb – 26 Feb

    Once seedlings have two true leaves, prick them out into small pots from 19th February - 26th February. Handle carefully by the leaves to avoid stem damage and plant at the same depth as before.

  3. Pot On and Pinch Out

    5 Mar – 12 Mar

    Pot on into larger pots from 5th March - 12th March when roots fill the container. When plants reach tall, pinch out the growing tip to encourage a bushy shape. Pinch off the first flower bud to boost plant growth.

  4. Transplant to Greenhouse

    28 Apr – 12 May

    Move plants into their final greenhouse pots or beds from 28th April - 12th May, spacing them apart. Ensure the greenhouse is ventilated on warm days to prevent overheating.

  5. Water and Feed Plants

    19 May – 6 Oct
    every 2 weeks

    Water regularly from 19th May, letting the compost dry out slightly between waterings to increase chilli heat. Once flowers appear, feed every 14 days with a high-potash tomato fertiliser until 6th October.

  6. Harvest Chillies

    4 Jul – 6 Oct

    Harvest from 4th July by cutting fruits with scissors. Pick green for milder heat or leave to ripen fully to red, yellow, or other colours for maximum heat and sweetness. Continue harvesting until 6th October when frost threatens.

Companion Plants

Tap a plant to see why it works (or doesn't) with Chilli Pepper.

Good companions

Plants to avoid

Why companion planting matters

Companion planting can deter pests, improve pollination, and make better use of space. Some plants confuse pests or attract beneficial insects; others improve soil or offer shade to neighbours that need it.

Suggested Varieties

Popular varieties of Chilli Pepper to consider

Apache

A compact variety ideal for pots, producing small, hot red fruits that mature early in the UK season.

Cayenne

A classic long, thin chilli with medium heat, perfect for drying and using in sauces.

Jalapeño

A popular medium-hot chilli with thick walls, great for fresh eating or pickling.

Also in nearby towns

See how Chilli Pepper timing shifts in other towns with different frost dates.