Homegrown chilli peppers have an exceptional flavour, colour and texture to them which sometimes are not easy to pick up in supermarkets. Chilli peppers can add substantial flavour to any dish whilst containing heaps of nutrients, so it really is a great choice to grow at home. Follow these simple steps on how to grow chilli peppers.
1. Pick your seed – Chilli peppers come in different varieties. Some are super-hot and some are mild.
2. Sow – Chilli pepper seeds can be started off from seed sown from February to April but it is best to start as early as possible. Seeds should be kept at temperatures of 18-21°C. Keep them in a light place and water.
3. Move the seedlings individually into 9-10cm (3-4in) pots when two true leaves have formed and continue to grow them on at around 16-18°C.
4. When plants are about 20cm tall, or before if they start to lean, stake with a stick.
5. They will be ready to go outside in late May or when all danger of frost has passed. Either plant directly into the ground, spacing them apart or transfer them to 22cm pots to give them space to grow.