Chilli pepper seeds — from mild warmth to fiery heat
Chilli peppers bring the heat — from gentle, fruity types to scorching superhots, with every level of fire in between. Most belong to the Capsicum annuum family within our pepper range and sit among our fruiting vegetables. First time growing chillies? Our vegetable growing guide gets you started.
Sow early for ripe, hot fruit. Superhots especially need a long season — the calendar shows the timing.
How hot do you like it?
Prefer flavour over fire? Our sweet peppers grow in exactly the same way. Chillies are compact, ornamental and perfect for our container range or a windowsill, and many colourful types double as ornamental vegetables.
Growing the hottest fruit
Heat and a long season build the most capsaicin, so start early and keep plants warm and bright. Feed once fruiting with a high-potash feed (see the feeding guide), water steadily (our watering guide helps), and let the fruit colour up fully for maximum heat.
Growing on a windowsill? Compact chilli plants crop happily in a pot in the sunniest spot you have.
Popular vegetable categories: Capsicum annuum · Sweet Peppers · All Peppers · Container Veg · Fruiting Veg
At SeedsChoice, every order ships from Meppel, NL with fast, tracked EU delivery.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I sow chillies?
Early — late winter to early spring indoors — especially superhots, which need the longest possible season.
How do I make my chillies hotter?
Give them heat, sun and a long season, and let the fruit ripen fully on the plant.
Do sweet and chilli peppers grow the same?
Yes — the growing method is identical.
Can I grow chillies indoors?
Yes — a sunny windowsill or greenhouse is ideal, and plants are compact.
Why are my chillies not fruiting or ripening?
Usually too cold or too short a season — start early and keep them warm.