Chillies are a popular choice for gardeners in the UK, providing a fiery punch to dishes and adding colour to your garden. Growing chillies from seed can be a rewarding and fun experience, especially if you're a fan of homegrown, fresh produce. Whether you're growing chillies for culinary use or as ornamental plants, here's how to get started with growing chillies from seed in the UK.
Growing Chillies from Seed
When to sow Chilli Seeds
In the UK, chillies need a longer growing season, so starting them indoors is essential.
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Indoor sowing: Begin sowing chilli seeds in January or February. This gives them plenty of time to grow and mature before being planted outdoors.
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Outdoor sowing: Chillies should not be sown outdoors in the UK until late spring or early summer, when the weather is warm enough. For most gardeners, sowing indoors is the best way to ensure a good crop.
Sowing Indoors
Sowing chillies indoors is essential in the UK to give them a good head start.
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Step 1: Use modular trays or seed trays filled with peat-free seed compost. Ensure each cell or pot has good drainage.
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Step 2: Sow seeds 1cm deep, and lightly cover them with compost.
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Step 3: Keep the trays in a warm propagator or on a sunny windowsill with a temperature range of 18–25°C (65–77°F). Germination should take place in 7–14 days.
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Step 4: Once the seedlings have grown large enough, harden them off by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions for a week or two before transplanting.
Sowing Outdoors
While chillies generally require indoor sowing in the UK, they can be started outdoors once the weather is warmer, particularly in the south.
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Step 1: Prepare your outdoor space by ensuring it's sheltered from strong winds and receives full sun.
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Step 2: Sow chillies directly into the soil in late spring or early summer once temperatures are consistently above 16°C (60°F). Space seeds 1cm deep, with each plant about 30cm apart.
Transplanting Chillies
Once your chilli seedlings are strong and the outdoor temperatures are suitable:
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Step 1: Harden off your indoor seedlings by gradually introducing them to outdoor conditions over 1–2 weeks.
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Step 2: Space your plants 30cm apart, ensuring they receive full sunlight and are sheltered from harsh winds.
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Step 3: Gently transplant your seedlings, making sure to disturb their roots as little as possible.
How to Sow Chilli Seeds
Sowing chilli seeds is a straightforward process, but the key is to maintain consistent warmth and moisture during the germination period.
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Step 1: Use fresh, high-quality seeds for the best results.
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Step 2: Sow seeds about 1cm deep in small pots or modules filled with peat-free seed compost.
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Step 3: Keep your seeds in a propagator or on a sunny windowsill to ensure they stay warm and moist. Aim for a temperature of 18–25°C (65–77°F) to encourage germination.
How deep should I Sow Chilli Seeds?
Chilli seeds should be sown about 1cm deep in well-draining compost. Don't plant them too deeply, as this can slow down germination. Keep the compost moist but not soggy, and provide a warm environment for the seeds to thrive.
Chilli Growing Requirements (Caring for Chillies)
Chillies require specific care to grow successfully in the UK. Here are the key factors to consider:
Watering
Chillies need regular watering, especially when growing in pots or containers. Keep the soil moist, but avoid over-watering, as chillies dislike waterlogged conditions. Water at the base of the plants to prevent diseases like mildew.
Mulching
Applying a layer of mulch around your chilli plants helps to retain moisture and regulate the temperature of the soil. Organic mulch, such as compost or well-rotted manure, works best.
Weeding
Weeds can compete with your chilli plants for nutrients, so make sure to keep the area free from weeds. Be careful not to damage the plants’ roots when weeding, and use a hoe or hand weeding tool for precision.
Protection
Chillies can be susceptible to cold snaps, even in late spring. Use cloches or fleece to protect young plants from frost and harsh winds. As they mature, they become more resistant to cold weather.
Chilli Pests & Diseases
Chillies can be vulnerable to a few pests and diseases in the UK, especially when grown indoors.
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Aphids: These pests can damage chilli plants. Use organic insecticidal soap or a jet of water to remove them.
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Whitefly: A common pest in greenhouses, whiteflies can weaken plants. Yellow sticky traps are effective in controlling these pests.
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Fungal diseases: Overwatering and high humidity can encourage fungal diseases. Ensure proper air circulation around your plants and avoid wetting the leaves when watering.
When & How to Harvest Chillies
Chillies are ready to harvest when they have reached their full size and colour. Depending on the variety, chillies can turn from green to red, yellow, or even purple when ripe.
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Step 1: Use scissors or pruning shears to carefully cut the chillies from the plant.
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Step 2: Harvest chillies when they are fully ripe for the best flavour. If you want to store them, let them ripen fully on the plant.
Storing Chillies
Chillies are ready to harvest when they have reached their full size and colour. Depending on the variety, chillies can turn from green to red, yellow, or even purple when ripe.
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Step 1: Use scissors or pruning shears to carefully cut the chillies from the plant.
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Step 2: Harvest chillies when they are fully ripe for the best flavour. If you want to store them, let them ripen fully on the plant.
Growing Success Tools
Chilli Focus Plant Feed
£7.99
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Super 7 Electric Windowsill Propagator
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