There are plenty of seeds in a packet, you probably only need about 4 plants, for anyone eager to get started just set the 4 then do the rest in the Spring.
Gardening on the wild, windy west side of Dartmoor.
Growing chillis seems to be one of those things that can become a healthy obsession, so it's natural to be itching to get started.
Too early, and it's the double whammy of not enough heat to germinate, then not enough light as well as heat to help them thrive. These can be overcome with heated propagators, bright windowsills, extra artificial lighting etc, but you might still end up with results that are caught up by seeds planted much later.
Chillis are always the first thing I grow each year. They really do benefit from the longest possible growing season, and later plantings don't always catch up as easily as you find with tomatoes.
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Its not so much heat but light levels they need, they will grow tall and leggy because they are struggling to get up to some real light.
Why the rush, if you sow them at the correct time you will get great rewards, no point in rushing.
No rush, like I said I'd just heard Jan was the time to sow Chillies but I will now be holding off doing this due to recommendations
Thanks Topbird, I haven't decided on that one for definite but it's nice to hear that Stewart is a reliable brand, I shall have a browse
I've just read the whole of the Stacey Docherty thread. A marathon , but so much information. Still in two minds re sowing / buying seedlings. Help!!
There are plenty of seeds in a packet, you probably only need about 4 plants, for anyone eager to get started just set the 4 then do the rest in the Spring.
Good advice from several people already.
Growing chillis seems to be one of those things that can become a healthy obsession, so it's natural to be itching to get started.
Too early, and it's the double whammy of not enough heat to germinate, then not enough light as well as heat to help them thrive. These can be overcome with heated propagators, bright windowsills, extra artificial lighting etc, but you might still end up with results that are caught up by seeds planted much later.
Chillis are always the first thing I grow each year. They really do benefit from the longest possible growing season, and later plantings don't always catch up as easily as you find with tomatoes.