Chilli Peppers in London

Sow seeds in a heated propagator at 21–24 °C from 14th January - 29th January. Use seed compost and cover to a depth of 0.5 cm.. Keep moist and expect germination in 7-14 days.

Once seedlings have two true leaves, prick them out into small pots from 4th February - 11th February. Handle carefully by the leaves to avoid stem damage and plant at the same depth as before.

Pot on into larger pots from 18th February - 25th February when roots fill the container. When plants reach 15 cm tall, pinch out the growing tip to encourage a bushy shape. Pinch off the first flower bud to boost plant growth.

Gradually acclimatise plants to outdoor conditions over 10-14 days from 6th April - 20th April. Start with a few hours in a sheltered spot and increase exposure daily, bringing them indoors at night if frost is forecast.

Move plants into final large pots on a sunny, sheltered patio from 20th April - 4th May, spacing them 45 cm apart. Use fleece or cloches for protection during cold spells.

Water regularly from 5th November, letting the compost dry out slightly between waterings to increase chilli heat. Once flowers appear, feed every 14 days with a high-potash tomato fertiliser until 11th May.

Harvest from 5th November by cutting fruits with scissors. Pick green for milder heat or leave to ripen fully to red, yellow, or other colours for maximum heat and sweetness. Continue harvesting until 6th July when frost threatens.