Kitchen Harvest Chilli Pepper - Capsicum annuum
Full sun.
Jul–Sep depending on sowing time.
Mar–May outdoors after risk of frost.
45–75cm height; 30–50cm spread.
Overview
A compact chilli plant that produces plenty of spicy fruits through summer and into early autumn. Bred to crop well on a bright windowsill or sunny patio. Chillies like warmth and sun – grow in a greenhouse, conservatory or the warmest patio spot you have, and keep the compost evenly moist. Most varieties are varies from mild to hot depending on variety. Use the fruits fresh or dried in curries, stir-fries and noodles, or blend into salsas, marinades and homemade chilli sauce.
- Vegetable Type: Kitchen Harvest Chilli Pepper
- Key Characteristic: Productive plants delivering spicy fruits for fresh use or drying.
- Hardiness: Tender annual (protect young plants from frost).
PLANTING ADVICE
Plant in rich, well-drained compost. Best grown in large pots or grow bags in a greenhouse or sunny patio spot. Can be planted in the ground in a very warm, sheltered position.
- Outdoor cultivation
Grow outdoors only in a warm, sheltered, frost-free position from late spring to early autumn. Protect from cold nights.
- Greenhouse cultivation
Well suited to greenhouse cultivation. Maintain warmth, ventilation and regular feeding for best yields.
CARE & HARVEST
Keep soil moist and weed free. Feed weekly once flowers appear using a high-potash fertiliser. Remove any damaged leaves to improve airflow and check plants regularly for pests. Harvest fruits promptly to encourage further cropping.
- Watering: Water regularly and consistently, keeping compost moist but not waterlogged. Avoid letting plants dry out during flowering and fruiting as this can reduce yields.
- Feeding: Feed weekly with a high-potash liquid fertiliser once flowering begins to support fruit production.
- Cutting and prunning: Pinch out growing tips once plants are established to encourage bushier growth.
- Harvesting: Pick once fruits reach full size and colour. Regular harvesting encourages the plant to produce more chillies.
- Pest and diseases: Check regularly for aphids and red spider mite, especially under glass.
VERVE RECOMMENDS...
- Pinch out the first flowers to help young plants build strength before heavy fruiting.