Chilli Demon Red

Demon Red may be small, but it’s fierce. The chillies are just 2–3cm long, upright, and seriously hot – reaching 30,000–50,000 SHU. Compact plants (no more than 35cm tall) produce masses of fruit, making them ideal for a sunny windowsill, patio tub, or conservatory.

SOW: indoors from mid-April to the end of May into warm compost, barely covering the seeds – they need light to germinate. If you’ve got warm, bright conditions, you can start as early as December.

GROW: pot on at the 2–3 leaf stage. For windowsills, use 12cm pots; or plant several together in a tub or grow bag (around 5 plants will fit). Chillies ripen from green through orange to red, with the heat building as they go. With warmth and care, plants can also be overwintered to fruit again the following year.

ENJOY: small but fiery, Demon Red chillies are usually ready from August. Use fresh or dry for later – either way, expect a good punch of heat.