When to plant Chilli Peppers in Liverpool

Capsicum annuum

Chilli Pepper
Chilli Pepper · 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

Add to garden

Calibrated to Liverpool · average last frost around 16 Apr

Sow indoors January to February, plant out May to June, harvest July to November. Typical frost risk November to April.
ActivityJanuaryFebruaryMarchAprilMayJuneJulyAugustSeptemberOctoberNovemberDecember
Sow indoorsYesYesNoNoNoNoNoNoNoNoNoNo
Plant outNoNoNoNoYesYesNoNoNoNoNoNo
HarvestNoNoNoNoNoNoYesYesYesYesYesNo

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.

  1. 01

    Sow Seeds Indoors

    31 Jan to 15 Feb

    Sow seeds in a heated propagator at around 31st January - 15th February. Cover with of seed compost and keep it evenly moist.

  2. 02

    Prick Out Seedlings

    14 Feb to 8 Mar Dates as each sowing reaches this stage

    Once seedlings have two true leaves, prick them out into small pots from 14th February - 8th March. Handle carefully by the leaves to avoid stem damage and plant at the same depth as before.

  3. 03

    Pot On and Pinch Out

    28 Feb to 22 Mar Dates as each sowing reaches this stage

    Pot on around 28th February - 22nd 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.

  4. 04

    Harden Off Plants

    7 May to 21 May

    Harden plants off through 7th May - 21st May. Start with a sheltered spot by day and bring them in at night, then leave them out for longer as they adjust.

  5. 05

    Transplant to Outdoor Pots

    21 May to 4 Jun

    Move plants into their final pots around 21st May - 4th June, but wait until night temperatures stay above . Put them in the warmest, sunniest sheltered spot and space them apart.

  6. 06

    Water and Feed Plants

    4 Jun to 12 Nov Dates as each sowing reaches this stage Optional · repeat every week

    Keep the compost evenly moist from 4th June. Once the first flowers open, feed with a high-potassium liquid fertiliser every 7 days through 12th November.

  7. 07

    Harvest Chillies

    30 Jul to 12 Nov Dates as each sowing reaches this stage

    Cut fruits with scissors from 30th July. Pick them green or leave them to reach their mature colour. Flavour and heat depend on the variety. Keep picking through 12th November.

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.

Chilli Pepper guides by town

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