When should I sow chilli seeds in the UK?

January to March, depending on variety. Hot chillies (Capsicum chinense — habanero, scotch bonnet, naga) need the longest season, so sow January in a heated propagator. Medium chillies (jalapeño, cayenne, hungarian hot wax) sow February. Mild dwarf cultivars (Apache, NuMex Twilight) can wait until March. Earlier sowings give leggy plants by planting-out time; later sowings won't ripen before winter.

Why are my chillies not turning red?

Time. Chillies start green and turn to their final colour (red, orange, yellow, purple-brown) over the final 2–3 weeks before they're fully ripe. If your fruit is staying green into October, the plant didn't have enough warmth and time. Move it indoors to a sunny windowsill — fruit ripens off the plant for several more weeks if temperatures stay above 15°C.

How hot is hot? What variety should I grow?

Mild (Scoville 0–10,000): Apache, Sweet Hungarian, NuMex Twilight, Padron, Anaheim. Medium (10,000–100,000): Jalapeño, Cayenne, Hungarian Hot Wax, Tabasco. Hot (100,000–350,000): Habanero, Scotch Bonnet, Bird's Eye, Lemon Drop. Very hot (350,000+): Ghost Pepper, Naga Viper, Carolina Reaper. Start with medium varieties; UK conditions favour them and they're more usable in everyday cooking.

Can I grow chillies on a windowsill?

Excellent for windowsill growing. Compact varieties (Apache, NuMex Twilight, Prairie Fire) reach only 40 cm and crop heavily in 5-litre pots. A sunny south-facing windowsill gives a full crop. Larger varieties need bigger pots and ideally a greenhouse, but if you have a warm conservatory or south-facing windowsill with room for a 7.5-litre pot, even habaneros work.

Can I save chilli plants over winter?

Yes — chillies are tender perennials. In October, cut back the plant to a 30 cm stump, bring indoors to a frost-free spot (above 10°C, ideally above 15°C). Water very sparingly through winter. The plant restarts in March 4–6 weeks earlier than fresh seedlings, giving a bigger second-year crop. Pruning hard is the key.

How do I store a glut of chillies?

Fresh: 2 weeks in the fridge. Drying: thread on string and hang in an airy dry place — works well for thin-walled varieties (cayenne, bird's eye). Freezing: whole or chopped, freeze on trays then bag. Pickling: in vinegar and salt. Chilli oil and hot sauce are the artisan options for a big glut.

Malagueta / pimenta (BR)

Capsicum annuum

Sow chilli seed indoors from January to early March — earlier than sweet peppers because hot chillies (Capsicum chinense like Habanero and Scotch Bonnet) need 25+ weeks from sowing to ripe fruit. Chillies are frost-tender (RHS H1c) and want consistent warmth, so a greenhouse, polytunnel, or sunny windowsill is essential in UK conditions. Self-pollinating, so a single plant in a pot crops well. Easy UK varieties: Apache (mild, compact, very prolific), Hungarian Hot Wax (medium), Jalapeño (medium, classic), Cayenne (hot but long season). Pick green for fresh use; leave on the plant to turn red, orange or yellow to develop full flavour and heat. Bring plants indoors in October for a second year — chillies are technically perennials.

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