When to plant Chilli Peppers in the UK

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
Sow indoors February to March, plant out June, harvest August to October.
ActivityJanuaryFebruaryMarchAprilMayJuneJulyAugustSeptemberOctoberNovemberDecember
Sow indoorsNoYesYesNoNoNoNoNoNoNoNoNo
Plant outNoNoNoNoNoYesNoNoNoNoNoNo
HarvestNoNoNoNoNoNoNoYesYesYesNoNo

UK averages · set your town for dates worked out from your local frost records · how dates are worked out

Growing guide

What to do through the growing season

Dates for your town

Set your town to see planting windows worked out from local frost history, not a generic UK calendar.

Growing guide for the UK

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

    mid-February to early March UK average · set your town for your exact dates

    Sow seeds in a heated propagator at around mid-February to early March. Cover with of seed compost and keep it evenly moist.

  2. 02

    Prick Out Seedlings

    early March to late March UK average · set your town for your exact dates Dates as each sowing reaches this stage

    Once seedlings have two true leaves, prick them out into small pots from early March to late 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

    mid-March to early April UK average · set your town for your exact dates Dates as each sowing reaches this stage

    Pot on around mid-March to early 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.

  4. 04

    Harden Off Plants

    late May to early June UK average · set your town for your exact dates

    Harden plants off through late May to early June. 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

    early June to late June UK average · set your town for your exact dates

    Move plants into their final pots around early June to late 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

    late June to late October UK average · set your town for your exact dates Dates as each sowing reaches this stage Optional · repeat every week

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

  7. 07

    Harvest Chillies

    mid-August to late October UK average · set your town for your exact dates Dates as each sowing reaches this stage

    Cut fruits with scissors from mid-August. Pick them green or leave them to reach their mature colour. Flavour and heat depend on the variety. Keep picking through late October.

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.