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 Durham
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 Durham · average last frost around 10 May
| Activity | January | February | March | April | May | June | July | August | September | October | November | December |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sow indoors | No | Yes | Yes | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | No |
| Plant out | No | No | No | No | No | 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
24 Feb to 11 MarSow seeds in a heated propagator at around 24th February - 11th March. Cover with of seed compost and keep it evenly moist.
02
Prick Out Seedlings
10 Mar to 1 Apr Dates as each sowing reaches this stageOnce seedlings have two true leaves, prick them out into small pots from 10th March - 1st April. Handle carefully by the leaves to avoid stem damage and plant at the same depth as before.
03
Pot On and Pinch Out
24 Mar to 15 Apr Dates as each sowing reaches this stagePot on around 24th March - 15th April 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
31 May to 14 JunHarden plants off through 31st May - 14th June. 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
14 Jun to 28 JunMove plants into their final pots around 14th June - 28th 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
28 Jun to 16 Oct Dates as each sowing reaches this stage Optional · repeat every weekKeep the compost evenly moist from 28th June. Once the first flowers open, feed with a high-potassium liquid fertiliser every 7 days through 16th October.
07
Harvest Chillies
23 Aug to 16 Oct Dates as each sowing reaches this stageCut fruits with scissors from 23rd August. Pick them green or leave them to reach their mature colour. Flavour and heat depend on the variety. Keep picking through 16th 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
Sow indoors March to April, plant out May to June, harvest July to October. Typical frost risk October to May.
Chilli Pepper guides by town
See how Chilli Pepper timing shifts in other towns with different frost dates.