When to plant Chilli Peppers in Sheffield

Sow seeds in a heated propagator at 21–24 °C around 7th February - 22nd 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 21st February - 15th March. Handle carefully by the leaves to avoid stem damage and plant at the same depth as before.

Pot on around 7th March - 29th 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 14th May - 28th 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 28th May - 11th June, 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 11th June. Once the first flowers open, feed with a high-potassium liquid fertiliser every 7 days through 8th November.

Cut fruits with scissors from 6th August. Pick them green or leave them to reach their mature colour. Flavour and heat depend on the variety. Keep picking through 8th November.