Capsicum, Chilli Pepper, 'Toofan', F1 Hybrid

Germination

Sow indoors Jan-Apr. Surface sow onto moist well-drained seed compost. Just cover with a sprinkling of soil. Place in propagator or somewhere warm. Ideal temp. 20-25°C. Germination takes 14 days approx. If the soil dries out germination may fail. Once germinated grow on in cooler conditions 15-18°C, a greenhouse is ideal. Only move outside if the weather is warm. A 40cm pot is ideal.

Growing

Grow on in the greenhouse or a sheltered sunny spot in the garden. If planting out temp. must be warm, may benefit from fleece protection until the end June. Be gentle when transplanting to prevent damage to the fragile root or stem. Sprinkle with water with diluted fertiliser in it. May be fertilised throughout growing period every 3-4 weeks. Water 1-2 times per week. May benefit from staking.

Cultivation

Fruit is green when young maturing to red. Fruit can be picked a little unripe and be allowed to ripen on a windowsill. Best to cut the fruit from the stem rather than pulling off. Harvest will continue until first frosts. Prone to aphid and whitefly attack control as required as these can damage your crop. Retain seeds from fruit, dry for 24 hours on paper towel. Seed may be sown the following spring.