When to plant Chilli Peppers in London

Sow seeds in a heated propagator at 21–24 °C around 19th January - 3rd 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 2nd February - 24th February. Handle carefully by the leaves to avoid stem damage and plant at the same depth as before.

Pot on around 16th February - 10th 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 25th April - 9th 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 9th May - 23rd May, 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 23rd May. Once the first flowers open, feed with a high-potassium liquid fertiliser every 7 days through 10th November.

Cut fruits with scissors from 18th July. Pick them green or leave them to reach their mature colour. Flavour and heat depend on the variety. Keep picking through 10th November.