STEP BY STEP How to sow chilli seeds
Sow chilli seed varieties such as ‘Apache’ and ‘Medusa’ now and place in a heated propagator set at 25°C to give them a chance to get going before the main sowing season begins.
The young plants need plenty of light to grow, so choose the brightest and warmest spot in the greenhouse or on your windowsill. Don’t expect rapid growth and water sparingly until the natural temperatures and light improve in spring.
1 FILL small pots with peat-free seed-sowing compost. Use clean pots and fresh compost to avoid fungal rot on seedlings, which they are more vulnerable to at this time of year.
2 USE the flat base of another clean pot to press down the compost firmly to create a level, even surface. Soak the compost-filled pots with tepid water and leave to drain.
3 PICK up the seeds between thumb and forefinger and place four or five, carefully spaced, on the surface of the compost.
4 COVER the seed with a 5mm layer of the same compost, spreading it evenly across the top of the pot. Press it lightly with your fingers to ensure the seed makes good contact with the moist layer below. Label each pot.