Pepper & Chilli
Capsicum annuum
From sweet bell peppers to incendiary chillies, Capsicum annuum encompasses one of the most varied vegetable species in cultivation. Grow them for a splash of colour in the garden and a world of flavour in the kitchen. The hotter you grow them, the hotter the chillies.
SowingStart indoors
Sunlight☀️ Full sun
Water💧💧 Moderate
Days to harvest70–90
Soil pH6–6.8
Spacing45cm × 50cm
Planting Calendar
🌏 Adjusted for southern hemisphere seasons.
Sow indoorsSow outdoorsTransplantHarvest
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Sowing
Sow into trays in early spring at 18–24°C, then transplant to gradually larger pots as plants grow — they resent root restriction. Treat and feed in the same way as tomatoes.Heat and Chilli
Chilli peppers produce more capsaicin (the compound responsible for heat) when grown in warm, slightly stressful conditions. Allow the compost to dry slightly between waterings, and grow in the sunniest possible spot.Outdoor Growing
In a long, warm British summer, peppers can be grown outdoors in a warm, sheltered, south-facing position. Otherwise, a greenhouse or polytunnel is strongly recommended.Soil: Free-draining, sandy or loamy soil. Avoid cold, wet ground.