Apache
A compact variety ideal for pots, producing small, hot red fruits that mature early in the UK season.
When to plant Chilli Peppers in Cardiff
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.
60 cm · Full Sun · High Water
Calibrated to Cardiff · average last frost around 22 Apr
| Activity | January | February | March | April | May | June | July | August | September | October | November | December |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sow indoors | No | Yes | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | No |
| Plant out | No | No | No | No | Yes | Yes | No | No | No | No | No | No |
| Harvest | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |
Growing guide
What to do through the growing season
Growing guide for
Change the guide to see different planting timelines and tips.
Start chillies indoors, harden them off, then grow them in pots in a warm, sheltered spot.
01
Sow Seeds Indoors
6 Feb to 21 FebSow seeds in a heated propagator at around 6th February - 21st February. Cover with of seed compost and keep it evenly moist.
02
Prick Out Seedlings
20 Feb to 14 Mar Dates as each sowing reaches this stageOnce seedlings have two true leaves, prick them out into small pots from 20th February - 14th March. Handle carefully by the leaves to avoid stem damage and plant at the same depth as before.
03
Pot On and Pinch Out
6 Mar to 28 Mar Dates as each sowing reaches this stagePot on around 6th March - 28th March when roots show at the drainage holes. Pinching the growing tip at can make the plant bushier, but it can delay the first fruit.
04
Harden Off Plants
13 May to 27 MayHarden plants off through 13th May - 27th May. Start with a sheltered spot by day and bring them in at night, then leave them out for longer as they adjust.
05
Transplant to Outdoor Pots
27 May to 10 JunMove plants into their final pots around 27th May - 10th June, but wait until night temperatures stay above . Put them in the warmest, sunniest sheltered spot and space them apart.
06
Water and Feed Plants
10 Jun to 28 Oct Dates as each sowing reaches this stage Optional · repeat every weekKeep the compost evenly moist from 10th June. Once the first flowers open, feed with a high-potassium liquid fertiliser every 7 days through 28th October.
07
Harvest Chillies
5 Aug to 28 Oct Dates as each sowing reaches this stageCut fruits with scissors from 5th August. Pick them green or leave them to reach their mature colour. Flavour and heat depend on the variety. Keep picking through 28th October.
Suggested varieties
Popular varieties of Chilli Pepper to consider
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.
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Calabrese
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Chilli Pepper guides by town
See how Chilli Pepper timing shifts in other towns with different frost dates.