Chilli - Numex Twilight - 20 seeds

Fill a small pot with seed compost, firm gently then sow a few seeds on top. Most seeds will germinate, so only sow a few more than you need, in case of losses. Cover with a fine layer of vermiculite and water. Seeds will germinate quickly in a heated propagator at 21ºC (70ºF) or simply put the pots on a warm sunny windowsill. Place a clear plastic bag over each pot, secured with an elastic band, to raise the humidity. As soon as seedlings appear, take the pot out of the propagator or remove the plastic bag. Keep plants at 16–18ºC (60–64ºF) in good light and water regularly. When the seedlings are 2.5cm (1in) tall, move each one into its own small pot filled with multi-purpose compost.

While plants are still growing indoors, move them into larger 13cm (5in) pots when roots begin to show through the drainage holes in the base. When they reach about 20cm (8in) tall, or if they start to lean, stake with a thin cane. Pinch out the shoot tips when plants are about 30cm (1ft) tall to encourage lots of branches, which should give you more fruit. By late May, move each plant into its final 22cm (9in) pot or plant three in a standard growing bag. The plants will grow and crop best if kept in a greenhouse, polytunnel, conservatory or coldframe. However, in mild parts of the country you can move them outside, once all danger of frost has passed. Chilli plants will tolerate a minimum night temperature of 12ºC (54ºF), but better results are achieved above 15ºC (59ºF), and avoid temperatures over 30ºC (86ºF) as this can reduce fruiting.