The life and times of chillies
There are lots of different types of chillies and they come in all shapes, sizes and colours.
There are tiny, pointed, extremely hot varieties, bird’s eye ones and, also, the larger, milder fleshy pepper types.
Kitchen windowsill
So, if you would like to grow your own, then think about how you are going to use it or, indeed, if you just would like to have a good-looking plant for your kitchen windowsill?
Originally grown in, and indigenous to, much warmer climes, it was the Spanish with their conquest of Latin America and the West Indies that introduced them to the rest of the world.
Before European’s started growing them, they had been cultivated in Latin America for thousands of years in countries such as Mexico.
Explorers
But it wasn’t just chillies that the New World explorers brought back to Europe. They also brought vanilla, chocolate, tomatoes, avocados and a whole host of bean varieties. All of which have had a massive impact on European cuisine.
More than 400 different chillies are now grown worldwide. Some of the more commonly available fresh chillies include jalapeño, Serrano, poblano, yellow wax, bird’s eye, habarnero and cayenne.
Sow your seeds
If you’ve missed the chance to sow your own seeds this year or to pick up a plant, then make a note in your diary for 2026 that seeds need to be sown in March. Plants are usually available in May and June.
They are easy to grow in a warm sunny spot outside, in a greenhouse or conservatory or on a sunny windowsill indoors. They are happy in pots or in the ground.
Get more FREE advice
If you need any more free advice, please contact one of our member garden centres. Find your nearest GCA garden centre here.