UK sowing calendar
When to sow peppers and chillies in the UK
Peppers and chillies sowing calendar (UK)
| Sow under cover | Jan-Apr |
|---|---|
| Sow / plant outdoors | Plant out late May-Jun |
| Harvest | Jul-Oct |
Need a long season, so sow early (chillies from late winter, sweet peppers Feb-Mar for glass, late Mar-Apr for outdoors) in warmth (~21C). They crop best in a greenhouse, polytunnel or on a sunny windowsill; outdoor plants must stay under cover until at least late May and fruit later and less reliably (from Aug).
UK timing runs on the last-frost date, not a USDA zone. Most of Britain sees its last frost around mid-May, with the north and exposed inland gardens a week or two later and the mild south-west and coast earlier. Tender crops start under cover and only go out once frost has passed; hardy crops can be direct-sown as soon as the soil is workable.
Timing aligned with the RHS grow-your-own guide for peppers and chillies.
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When to sow peppers and chillies in the UK — FAQs
When should I sow peppers and chillies in the UK?
Sow peppers and chillies under cover Jan-Apr, then outdoors plant out late may-jun. Need a long season, so sow early (chillies from late winter, sweet peppers Feb-Mar for glass, late Mar-Apr for outdoors) in warmth (~21C). They crop best in a greenhouse, polytunnel or on a sunny windowsill; outdoor plants must stay under cover until at least late May and fruit later and less reliably (from Aug).
Can you sow peppers and chillies outdoors in the UK?
Yes — sow or plant peppers and chillies outdoors plant out late may-jun. Wait until after the last frost (around mid-May, later in the north) for anything tender.
When is peppers and chillies ready to harvest in the UK?
Peppers and chillies is typically harvested Jul-Oct in the UK, depending on your sowing date, cultivar and region.
Is it too late to sow peppers and chillies?
It depends on the month and your region. Peppers and chillies has a UK outdoor window of plant out late may-jun; northern and exposed gardens run a week or two behind the south. Open Growli and tell it your postcode for timing tuned to your own last-frost date.