Starting with chilli seeds

Not all chillies are hard to grow. If you're new to it, start with varieties that are forgiving: jalapeños, serrano, cayenne, or African Bird's Eye (peri-peri). These germinate quickly, grow vigorously, and crop heavily.

What you need

• Seed trays or small pots (not too big — chillies like to be slightly rootbound at first)
• Quality seedling mix
• A warm, sunny spot or basic LED grow light
• Patience

Step 1: Sow

Press seeds into moist seedling mix about 5mm deep. Water lightly. Cover with plastic wrap or a humidity dome. Place in the warmest spot you have — a hot windowsill in spring, or a heat mat set to 28°C.

Step 2: Germination

Jalapeños typically germinate in 7–14 days at 25°C. Bird's Eye in 10–20 days. Habaneros and scotch bonnets can take 21–28 days. Don't panic.

Step 3: Potting on

Once your seedlings have their first true leaves (not the seed leaves, but the real second pair), pot them up individually into 10cm pots. Water when the top inch of soil is dry.

Step 4: Harden off

Before moving plants outside permanently, spend 1–2 weeks gradually increasing their sun exposure. Start with 2 hours of morning sun, increase daily. Skipping this step will cause leaf scorch.

Step 5: Final pot or bed

Chillies grow well in 20–25 litre containers or in-ground beds. Full sun is essential — minimum 6 hours per day. In South Africa's summer, they'll be producing within 60–90 days of transplant.