The purpose of sowing is to produce transplants from which the crop is grown.
Getting started: Sow into seed trays filled with fine-textured compost.
Sowing dates: January to Februrary for slower-maturing varieties. February to mid-March for the faster-maturing varieties, including most of the C. annuum species.
Sowing depth: 6mm.
Sowing temperature: 25-27˚C, though anywhere from 24˚-32˚C will do.
Top tip: Expose seedlings to strong light as soon as they emerge.