This page is dedicated to methods and advice for growing chillies from seed.
How I grow them,
Chilli peppers are native to South and Central America so naturally they are accustomed to a warmer climate than we have in the UK. Don’t worry, it is possible to grow extremely vigorous plants even in the most northerly regions given a little help.
In my experience it is possible to germinate chillies at as low as 10 degrees C. However At these temperatures germination are likely to take a long time and you will get a high failure rate. That in mind if sowing in an unheated greenhouse you will probably want to wait until April at the earliest. Ideally chilli seeds like to be somewhere between 18 and 30 degrees to germinate, so a warm space in a centrally heated house or an airing cupboard will be perfect.
I sow my Chilli plants in late February. I like to use modular trays so as not to disturb the roots when potting on. I find 40 cell units that fit in a standard propagator to to of sufficient size. Generally one seed per cell. Some in a heated propagator and some in a standard propagator placed in the airing cupboard. Usually i have equal success rates with both methods. Chilli seeds can be germinated simply using pots and compost but i have found that using propagators with lids help to retain the moisture which greatly speeds up the germination process. Seeds should sprout in between 3 days to 3 weeks. In colder conditions allow longer.
Remember to label carefully as it will be very difficult to tell plants apart until they start to grow fruit. Once they have sprouted they now have a new requirement. – Light. The more the better, any south facing window or conservatory should be fine. When your seedlings are of sufficient size (3-4cm tall) they are ready to be potted on. At this stage 10 cm pots should be sufficient. When they reach about 15-20cm they are ready to be put into their final location. If you plan to grow your chillies in pots your pot size will have a significant affect on how big and productive your plants will get. Some times it is practical to use smaller pots when growing indoors. When growing in smaller pots it may be helpful to restrict your plants growth by pinching out the growing tip to encourage a smaller bushier plant. This can be done at any size from about 15cm upwards.
Providing you are using a good quality soil or compost your plants should not require feeding during the first growing season. All it really needs is good light, and for the soil to be kept moist but not waterlogged throughout the growing season.
Chilli plants are self pollinating so when growing indoors without the assistance wind and insects in is helpful to assist the plant to get the pollen onto it stamen. This can be done by gently running a cotton bud (or a fingertip over the centre of the flowers to move the pollen about. Remember that a number of varieties can cross pollinate so if you intend to keep your seeds for future crops be careful to keep your plants apart while flowering!
If you don’t have the facility to germinate you own seeds, Chilli plants are available to buy as baby plants from some suppliers.
Thompson and morgan are pretty reliable and sell a nice selection of Chilli plants and seeds.
Garden centre online also has a good selection of Chillies. stocks a really good chilli seed mix from Mr Fothergils, Cheap way of getting alot of varieties.
Mr Fothergill’s Pepper Chilli Shake Vegetable Seeds :: Garden Centre Online
or their entire selection,
Good luck and enjoy your chillies!
Please add to this guide or ask any questions using the comments below.
Doug
