How to Grow Chillies (UK guide)
Chillies add spice, colour, and excitement to any garden, whether you grow them indoors, outdoors, or in a greenhouse. Their compact size and attractive fruits make them a fantastic choice for both beginners and experienced gardeners.
Growing chillies: an overview
Chillies thrive in warm, sunny locations, either in a greenhouse or on a bright windowsill. For outdoor growing, choose a sheltered spot with well-drained soil. Regular watering and feeding ensure healthy plants and good harvests.
In Hot
Heat levels to suit all tastes, compact habit, prolific yields
How to Grow Chillies from Seed
- 01Fill small pots or trays with seed compost and firm gently.
- 02Sow seeds on the surface and cover lightly with compost or vermiculite.
- 03Water gently and place the pots in a heated propagator or on a warm, sunny windowsill.
- 04Keep compost moist and maintain temperatures around 21°C for germination.
- 05Transplant seedlings into individual pots when large enough to handle.
You will need
- 01Warm temperatures for germination
- 02Bright, direct sunlight
- 03Regular watering without waterlogging
- 04High-potash feed after flowering
Young Plant Care
When seedlings develop their first true leaves, pot them on into individual pots. Harden off plants gradually for 7–10 days before planting outdoors after the last frost. Space plants about 30cm apart. Watch out for aphids and spider mites, treating early with insecticidal soap if necessary.
Plant Calendar
Key chilli needs
Consistent warmth
Chillies need warmth to germinate well and grow quickly. Use a heated propagator or warm windowsill for best results.
Plenty of light
Strong light promotes bushy growth and abundant fruit, so position plants where they can receive at least six hours of sun daily.
Well-drained compost
Grow chillies in pots with good drainage or loose, fertile soil to avoid root rot and encourage healthy roots.
Regular watering
Keep soil moist at all times but never soggy, especially when fruiting starts.
Chillies: FAQs & Common Problems
Chillies FAQs
Chillies are usually ready to pick once they reach full size and have turned their mature colour, typically red, yellow, or orange. Harvest regularly from midsummer onwards to encourage more fruits and prevent the plant from slowing down its production.
Chillies grow well in pots if given enough space, using a minimum pot size of 20cm diameter. Choose a peat-free multi-purpose compost with good drainage, and ensure pots have drainage holes to prevent waterlogging.
Feed chillies weekly with a high-potash liquid fertiliser, such as tomato feed, once flowers appear. This helps boost fruiting. Avoid overfeeding nitrogen, as it can lead to lots of leaves but fewer fruits.
Common chilli pests include aphids, spider mites and whitefly. Regularly check leaves for pests and use organic sprays or wash them away if needed. Good ventilation helps prevent fungal diseases like powdery mildew.
CHILLIES Some like it hot, beautiful chillies to spice up your life.
