Capsicum - How to grow Chili Peppers from seed

EATING CAPSICUM

Capsicum peppers can be eaten cooked or raw.

Varieties of capsicum used in cooking are usually the Capsicum annuum and Capsicum frutescens species of pepper.

PRESERVING CAPSICUM

Capsicum peppers can be preserved by pickling, drying or freezing.

You can also make Chili Jams and chutneys!

Store dried peppers in sealed jars

SOCIETIES

GROWING CAPSICUM PEPPER PLANTS

giant pumpkin grown on an allotment Capsicum. (Chilies and Peppers.)

Capsicum, better known in the UK as Pepper - with the hotter varieties called Chilli Peppers, is a plant from nightshade family and is native to the Americas

The Capsicums are half hardy annuals raised from seeds each year in spring in a heated greenhouse.

The pepper plants have small white flowers in early summer, these are followed by highly coloured pepper fruits in late summer.

Capsicum is cultivated throughout the world, and has become an important ingredient in many cuisines. In addition to its use as a spice and vegetable, capsicum has also been used in medicines.

WHERE TO GROW CAPSICUM

Peppers need sunshine and warmth to produce well. Usually the best fruits are borne by pepper plants that are grown in a greenhouse.

Good results can also be achieved by growing chilli peppers on a sunny windowsill.

Capsicums or peppers may also be grown on a warm sunny border, planting being done in June.

They must always be protected from frost.

HOW AND WHEN TO SOW CAPSICUM SEEDS

Purple capsicum fruits on a pepper plant Sow the seeds in a rich soil early in March in a heated greenhouse with a temperature of 55 to 60 degrees.

When the capsicum seedlings are 1 - 2 inches high transfer singly to 3 inch pots, using a compost of fibrous loam, leaf-mould and coarse grit.

Maintain a warm, moist atmosphere to encourage free growth.

Transplant into bigger pots later on as the plants grow larger.