When to Plant Peppers in the UK

Peppers need warm conditions to grow well, so they are usually started indoors early in the year and planted outside later in spring. Planting at the right time helps plants grow steadily and produce fruit during summer.

Peppers are usually grown from seed started indoors.

Starting pepper seeds

Pepper seeds are often started indoors between January and March.

Seeds need warmth to germinate.

Young plants grow slowly at first.

Moving peppers outside

Peppers are usually moved outdoors or into greenhouses in late spring, once frost risk has passed.

Warm, sheltered locations usually produce the best results.

Plants grow faster once temperatures rise.

Growing peppers in containers

Peppers can be planted in containers filled with compost.

For container advice, see growing peppers in containers.

Planning the pepper growing season

Peppers planted in spring usually produce fruit in summer and early autumn.

Warm weather helps fruits develop properly.

For growing advice, see how to grow peppers in the UK.