Capsicum, Sweet Pepper, 'Big Ben', F1 Hybrid

Germination

Sow indoors about 8 weeks before last expected frost date. Sow 6mm deep into moist well-drained seed compost. Ideal temp. 21°C. Germination takes 10-14 days. Once germinated grow on in cooler conditions 15-18°C. Plant out once danger of frost has passed, ideally when the plant is 10-15cm tall with 30cm spacing.

Growing

Grow 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 or yellow. 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.