A great way to purchase chilli plants is to buy plug plants. It gives you a great start in growing chillies. The hard work is done for you and it is very cost effective. One super-hot plug plant is about the same price as 1 packet of 10 seeds.

Your chilli plug will often be grown in a jiffy plug as can be seen in the picture here. I use peat free jiffy plugs. The roots can be clearly seen, this is perfectly normal and the sign of a healthy plant.

Your chilli plugs should be potted on immediately. A 1 litre pot is a good choice. Use a 50/50 mix of compost and coco coir with a little vermiculite. Chillies do not like heavy, clay soil. If you do not have coco coir or vermiculite, anything that will keep the soil aerated and free draining should work well.

You do not have to remove the fabric pot, just pop the whole thing into your plants new home. If you use a good compost there should be enough nutrients to keep you plant healthily for many weeks. When your plants need feeding, there are many good plant foods out there.  Use one that is good for your situation,

Your final pot size will dictate the final size of your plant. The bigger pot the bigger the plant. A very rough guide is 7 ltr to 12 ltr.

Your chilli will grow well in a greenhouse, conservatory or on a sunny windowsill. Remember your plants need a warm temperature. Anything below 3’c will kill them, so keep them away from frost.