Pardon

<h3 data-start="179" data-end="209"><strong data-start="183" data-end="207">Padron Chilli Pepper</strong></h3> <p data-start="210" data-end="249"><strong data-start="210" data-end="249">(Also known as Pimientos de Padrón)</strong></p> <p data-start="251" data-end="589">A classic Spanish tapas favourite, this compact chilli plant produces an abundance of small, mild peppers – perfect for frying, stuffing, or adding to stir-fries. Traditionally celebrated in the town of Padrón, Spain, these chillies are usually picked young for a gentle heat. Leave them to ripen longer, and they’ll pack more of a punch!</p> <hr data-start="591" data-end="594" /> <h3 data-start="596" data-end="614"><strong data-start="600" data-end="612">Harvest:</strong></h3> <p data-start="615" data-end="685"><strong data-start="615" data-end="634">June to October</strong> – Pick when fruits are swollen, glossy, and green.</p> <hr data-start="687" data-end="690" /> <h3 data-start="692" data-end="723"><strong data-start="696" data-end="721">Growing Instructions:</strong></h3> <ul data-start="724" data-end="1321"> <li data-start="724" data-end="758"> <p data-start="726" data-end="758"><strong data-start="726" data-end="738">Spacing:</strong> Plant 45cm apart.</p> </li> <li data-start="759" data-end="833"> <p data-start="761" data-end="833"><strong data-start="761" data-end="774">Position:</strong> A sunny, sheltered spot with well-drained soil is ideal.</p> </li> <li data-start="834" data-end="966"> <p data-start="836" data-end="966"><strong data-start="836" data-end="853">Best Results:</strong> Grow in a greenhouse or conservatory. They’ll grow outdoors in pots on a sunny patio, but yields may be lower.</p> </li> <li data-start="967" data-end="1068"> <p data-start="969" data-end="1068"><strong data-start="969" data-end="982">Watering:</strong> Keep well-watered during dry spells and while establishing, but avoid waterlogging.</p> </li> <li data-start="1069" data-end="1150"> <p data-start="1071" data-end="1150"><strong data-start="1071" data-end="1081">Shade:</strong> In very hot weather, provide light shade to protect tender leaves.</p> </li> <li data-start="1151" data-end="1239"> <p data-start="1153" data-end="1239"><strong data-start="1153" data-end="1165">Support:</strong> Once plants reach around 30cm, stake them to support the growing fruit.</p> </li> <li data-start="1240" data-end="1321"> <p data-start="1242" data-end="1321"><strong data-start="1242" data-end="1254">Feeding:</strong> Start feeding <strong data-start="1269" data-end="1277">only</strong> once 2–3 chillies have formed – not before.</p> </li> </ul> <hr data-start="1323" data-end="1326" /> <h3 data-start="1328" data-end="1347"><strong data-start="1332" data-end="1345">Top Tips:</strong></h3> <ul data-start="1348" data-end="1679"> <li data-start="1348" data-end="1421"> <p data-start="1350" data-end="1421"><strong data-start="1350" data-end="1371">Handle with care:</strong> Always wash your hands after handling chillies.</p> </li> <li data-start="1422" data-end="1547"> <p data-start="1424" data-end="1547"><strong data-start="1424" data-end="1443">Warmth matters:</strong> Chillies dislike cold soil – pots or grow bags warm up faster than open ground and help boost growth.</p> </li> <li data-start="1548" data-end="1679"> <p data-start="1550" data-end="1679"><strong data-start="1550" data-end="1573">Encourage fruiting:</strong> If only one chilli forms and no others appear, pick it – this often stimulates the plant to produce more.</p> </li> </ul>