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 York
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 York · average last frost around 26 Apr
| Activity | January | February | March | April | May | June | July | August | September | October | November | December |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sow indoors | No | Yes | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | No |
| Plant out | No | No | No | No | Yes | 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
10 Feb to 25 FebSow seeds in a heated propagator at around 10th February - 25th February. Cover with of seed compost and keep it evenly moist.
02
Prick Out Seedlings
24 Feb to 18 Mar Dates as each sowing reaches this stageOnce seedlings have two true leaves, prick them out into small pots from 24th February - 18th March. Handle carefully by the leaves to avoid stem damage and plant at the same depth as before.
03
Pot On and Pinch Out
10 Mar to 1 Apr Dates as each sowing reaches this stagePot on around 10th March - 1st 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
17 May to 31 MayHarden plants off through 17th May - 31st May. 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
31 May to 14 JunMove plants into their final pots around 31st May - 14th 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
14 Jun to 29 Oct Dates as each sowing reaches this stage Optional · repeat every weekKeep the compost evenly moist from 14th June. Once the first flowers open, feed with a high-potassium liquid fertiliser every 7 days through 29th October.
07
Harvest Chillies
9 Aug to 29 Oct Dates as each sowing reaches this stageCut fruits with scissors from 9th August. Pick them green or leave them to reach their mature colour. Flavour and heat depend on the variety. Keep picking through 29th 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, plant out May, harvest July to September. Typical frost risk October to April.
Chilli Pepper guides by town
See how Chilli Pepper timing shifts in other towns with different frost dates.