When to plant Chilli Peppers in Bristol

Sow seeds in a heated propagator at 21–24 °C around 3rd February - 18th February. Cover with 0.5 cm of seed compost and keep it evenly moist.

Once seedlings have two true leaves, prick them out into small pots from 17th February - 11th March. Handle carefully by the leaves to avoid stem damage and plant at the same depth as before.

Pot on around 3rd March - 25th March when roots show at the drainage holes. Pinching the growing tip at 30 cm can make the plant bushier, but it can delay the first fruit.

Harden plants off through 10th May - 24th May. Start with a sheltered spot by day and bring them in at night, then leave them out for longer as they adjust.

Move plants into their final pots around 24th May - 7th June, but wait until night temperatures stay above 12 °C. Put them in the warmest, sunniest sheltered spot and space them 45 cm apart.

Keep the compost evenly moist from 7th June. Once the first flowers open, feed with a high-potassium liquid fertiliser every 7 days through 2nd November.

Cut fruits with scissors from 2nd August. Pick them green or leave them to reach their mature colour. Flavour and heat depend on the variety. Keep picking through 2nd November.