Grow chillies and make hot sauce at home and you’ll never look at shop bottles the same again. From planting seeds to blending your own sauce, this project is rewarding, cheap and surprisingly easy – even in the UK climate.
Choosing the right chilli seeds
Pick varieties based on heat level:
- Mild: Jalapeño, Anaheim
- Medium: Cayenne, Hungarian wax
- Hot: Habanero, Scotch bonnet
Start seeds indoors from January to March.
How to grow chillies from seed
- Use seed compost
- Sow 0.5cm deep
- Keep warm (20–25°C)
- Cover with propagator lid
Germination takes 7–21 days.
Potting on and plant care
Once seedlings have 2–3 true leaves:
- Move into 9cm pots
- Use compost with 10% worm castings
- Give bright light
Feeding for heat and flavour
- Tomato feed every 10 days
- Avoid high nitrogen fertiliser
- Top-dress with worm compost monthly
When to harvest chillies
- Green = milder
- Red/orange = hotter and sweeter
- Pick regularly to boost yield
Simple homemade hot sauce recipe
You’ll need
- 10 fresh chillies
- 2 garlic cloves
- 150ml vinegar
- 1 tsp salt
Method
- Wear gloves!
- Chop chillies
- Blend all ingredients
- Simmer for 10 minutes
- Cool and bottle
How long does it last?
Stored in the fridge, your sauce lasts 2–3 months.
Helpful external resources
Related guides
Final thoughts
Grow chillies and make hot sauce and you control the heat, flavour and ingredients. It’s one of the most satisfying kitchen garden projects you can try.
