Frequently Asked Questions
We hope that the information provided below helps answer any questions you might have and lead to a successful crop!
Where Can I Grow Chilli Plants
This is dictated by the space that you have available and the growing requirements for chillies.
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A warm, sunny windowsill indoors or a warm, sunny conservatory
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A sheltered, sunny position outdoors (after the risk of frost has passed)
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A greenhouse or polytunnel (after the risk of frost has passed)
Which Varieties Should I Grow?
It’s vital that you chose the right variety for the right place, this is determined by location and plant habit, particularly with respect to size. You can then factor in appropriate heat levels and culinary uses.
Best Varieties For:
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WINDOWSILL: Black Pearl, Pixie Lights, Purple Flash, Quickfire, Roxi
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PATIO: Basket of Fire, Birdseye, Chenzo, Fairy Lights, Jalapeno Tiger, White Ghost Pepper
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GREENHOUSE OR CONSERVATORY: Any variety
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HANGING BASKETS: Lemonella
Slower-growing, late-cropping super-hot varieties tend to be taller and are ideal for greenhouses or conservatories.
What Compost Should I Use?
The reality is that there is a big disparity between the commercial grade compost that professional growers use and retail composts that are bought at a garden centre, DIY store or supermarket.
The best retail formulation for growing in pots and containers is Miracle Gro Premium Peat Free Compost 50 litres.
The quality of your compost is key to achieving the best growing performance, do not buy cheaper alternatives to save money, in the long run you will have a much better results, healthier plants and bigger yields.
Where Should I Buy My Chillies?
If you plan to grow established varieties that you are familiar with, buy from a reputable supplier like The Coastal Chilli Company, their seeds will be packed by a UK DEFRA accredited seed packer.
The benefit of this is that the germination rate will potentially be higher, with healthier plants, that are ‘true to type’. Simply put, you get the variety you expect to grow.
Why Do Chilli Seeds Sometimes Turn Out To Be A Different Variety?
Seed producers and packers not registered with DEFRA may be unable to guarantee their seeds are true to type. This is because they are not isolating each variety of plant that they are growing in an insect proof net cage, to ensure that the flowers on these plants are only pollinated by insects with pollen from a plant of the same variety. So when they harvest the fruit, to extract the seeds, it may mean that if the insect that pollinated the flower had pollen on it from another variety, the resultant pod may contain seeds of a new hybrid variety rather than the variety required.
How Do I Grow From Seed
Sow seeds indoors from late winter to mid-spring – chillies generally need a long growing season, and an early start will give you an earlier and longer harvest. Chilli seeds need warmth to germinate – around 21°C (70°F) – so it’s best to use a heated propagator, although a warm windowsill should be fine too.
What Propogator Should I Buy?
The Garland Super 7 Propagator is a fab windowsill heated propagator that comes with an economical to run, 13 watt heated base unit, seven seed trays and seven clear polycarbonate lids.
It is designed to boost ambient temperature by 8C, so needs to be set up in a heated room for best results. These can be bought at B&Q and currently (17/03/26) retail at £40.
Which Seed Compost Should I Use?
The best UK retail seed compost is Westland Gro-Sure Seed & Cutting Compost.