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 Chillies need a warm, sunny sheltered position and, therefore, are only suitable for outdoor cultivation in milder parts of the country, and benefit greatly from cloche or even fleece protection. They can be grown in frames, unheated polythene tunnels or greenhouses and are also suitable for growing in containers or grow bags filled with multipurpose compost.They require well-drained, fertile moisture-retentive soil, which is slightly acid. To achieve this, incorporate moderate amounts of well-rotted manure (5.4kg per sq m/10lb per sq yd) into the soil, but avoid using fresh manure, or large quantities as this may lead to lush, leafy growth at the expense of fruit.

Plants will be ready for planting in their permanent position or potting-on when they have reached flowering size, approximately eight weeks after sowing.Feed plants with a high-potassium liquid fertilizer weekly, once the first fruit has set. Plants will tolerate a minimum night temperature of 12ºC (54ºF) but better results are achieved above 15ºC (59ºF), and avoid temperatures above 30ºC (86ºF) as this can reduce yields.Maintain a humid atmosphere in greenhouses by damping down twice a day in hot weather.