Description

SOW INDOORS – MID MARCH to APRIL

SOW OUTDOORS – MID-MAY to JULY

HARVEST – JULY to OCTOBER

For a head start, sow indoors initially. Fill a seed tray with seed sowing compost nearly to the top. Sprinkle seeds over the surface and cover with seed compost (approx 1/4 inch deep). Place in a light, warm space in 20-25°C (68-77°F) and keep moist. Place in a propagator or seal container inside a plastic bag until germination takes place which is usually 8-21 days. Make sure there is plenty of light and drainage.

When seedlings are large enough to handle (between 2-4cm usually), they’re ready to be transferred into larger pots (15cm). Grow on in 18-21°C (65-70°F) and ensure there is some fertiliser in the pots or directly in the ground before transplanting. Gradually harden off when planting outdoors to a well drained, warm soiled, sunny position. Space 45cm apart in rows 90-120cm apart. You may need to provide bamboo supports or a trellis for the plants to encourage more growth.