Growing Chillies in January: Starting Serrano, Aji Hot and Rocotto Seeds

As I mentioned in my previous post, the start of January is an excellent time to begin growing chillies. The first week of the month gives you a real head start on the season, so I put some seeds in the compost and began the first sowings for the year.

This year I planted some free Serrano seeds I received from Wahaca. I’ve picked up these seeds on earlier visits, but timing hadn’t worked out to sow them until now. January is the perfect month to get them germinating so I’m hoping for a healthy crop of Serrano chillies by summer to use in fresh Mexican dishes.

The seeds arrived in a neat little packet that resembles a small matchbook, with a couple of seeds fixed to match-like cardboard strips. It’s an attractive, compact presentation and a clever marketing idea. To sow, you simply remove the small strips and press them into the compost up to the indicated line — a very straightforward method that makes planting quick and tidy.

I generally avoid sowing multiple seeds in the same hole because separating seedlings later can stress roots, but with these matchbook-style seeds I decided to follow the intended method and see how the germination rate turns out. I used my usual potting mix, which has produced reliable results in previous years and provides a good balance of drainage and moisture retention.

Alongside the Serranos I sowed some Aji Hot and Rocotto Red seeds. My approach was simple: lay the seeds on top of the compost, sprinkle a fine layer of compost over them (around a few millimetres) and water gently with a fine rose to avoid disturbing the seed placement. This light covering helps retain moisture while still allowing the cotyledons to emerge easily.

Sowing chilli seeds in the UK in January requires keeping them warm for reliable germination. A quality heated propagator is one option, but they can be expensive. Instead, I used a small reptile heat mat underneath a basic propagator lid to provide gentle, consistent warmth at a fraction of the cost. These mats emit low, even heat that speeds up germination without the high price tag of specialist propagators.

I placed the trays in our conservatory to benefit from available light while keeping them sheltered. After scorching a few seedlings in past seasons, I now monitor seedlings closely and manage ventilation carefully. During daylight hours I usually open the propagator vents to reduce condensation and prevent mould; at night I close them to retain warmth.

Staggering sowings is important, so I’ll plant another two to three batches over the coming weeks. Spreading out sowings reduces the risk of losing an entire crop and gives you a succession of plants producing at different times. In later batches I’ll include Lemon Drop and Ring of Fire, along with some of my usual Habaneros and Scotch Bonnets.

Successful January sowing depends on warm, stable conditions, the right potting medium, gentle watering and good ventilation once seedlings appear. By following these steps and keeping an eye on humidity and heat, you give your chillies the best chance to germinate and grow into strong plants.

Happy growing, and good luck for 2012!