| Sowing the Seeds | | | | As your Chilli plant grows, eventually it will need a |
| In order to sow your Chilli seeds you are going to need | | | | bigger pot. |
| seeding trays. If you don't have any, a standard plastic | | | | Normally plants will limit their growth to best |
| plant pot will do. | | | | accommodate the size of container they are in, so |
| You will also need some good quality potting compost, | | | | you will need to replant into a bigger container when |
| which can be obtained very cheaply from your local | | | | they get too big for their current one. |
| garden centre. | | | | When your plant starts to show the first signs of |
| To start, fill the plant pot to around 3/4 full with | | | | producing fruit, (not only will you be incredibly amused |
| compost, making sure the soil is loose and has no hard | | | | as they develop), but you will have to make sure they |
| lumps in it. | | | | are well nourished. |
| Next, you will need to place a few of the seeds lightly | | | | A good general tomato fertiliser will be good, although |
| on top of the soil. Ensure they are evenly spaced out, | | | | you can also use diluted Miracle-Gro(R) for this |
| and sprinkle an inch or so of soil over the seeds. | | | | purpose - Please follow instructions on the packet. |
| Dampen the soil in your container, and place in a warm | | | | Plants should be fed about 1-2 times per week. |
| place. This is because seeds need this warmth in | | | | To help produce a full harvest of Chillies... |
| order for them to successfully germinate. | | | | The Chilli plant is usually fertilised by insects, but unless |
| Using your airing cupboard is a safe bet, as this will | | | | you have a serious bug problem in your house, you're |
| have a very near to perfect temperature range. | | | | going to need to do this yourself! |
| Make sure you keep the soil in the container damp | | | | The pollen the plant produces is usually ready to be |
| (not waterlogged, as this can prevent germination). | | | | picked up by the insect in the late afternoon, so at this |
| Your seeds will sprout in about a week, but they can | | | | time you can pollinate the plant yourself. |
| take longer, so be patient. | | | | To pollinate the plant yourself, take a small clean brush, |
| When they do decide to emerge, you will see that | | | | like the ones used in Watercolour painting. Dampen the |
| each seed produces a green shoot, that will develop | | | | brush, pick up the pollen, and gently transfer it to the |
| into a stalk with 2 green leaves. | | | | centre of the flowers on your plant. Repeat this with all |
| TIP: When this happens, you will need to place your | | | | the flowers on the plant. |
| seedlings in a place where they will get a lot of light - a | | | | Going through this quick process will help produce a full |
| window sill is perfect for this. | | | | harvest of Chillies, so that you can get the most out of |
| The reason being is that if the new plants do not get | | | | your plant. |
| enough light at this stage, you will end up with a thin | | | | General Tip: |
| and whispy plant which won't be as stable and strong | | | | When watering your plant with tap water, it is best to |
| as it could be. | | | | leave the water you are going to use standing for a |
| Remember to keep watering your plants, but now you | | | | day or so before you use it. This allows the Chlorine in |
| can reduce how often you water them to every | | | | the tap water to dissipate. |
| couple of days. Just keep the top of the soil damp - | | | | Alternatively you can use rain water collected from |
| use your finger to test this. | | | | outside. |
| When they get a bit bigger... | | | | |