Cili Padi Extra Hot Seeds

Cili padi is a must in many Malaysian kitchens, and one healthy plant can go a long way for a household. It is a long-term crop, so a little patience at the start pays off.

1. Sow seeds in a tray about 0.5 cm deep and keep warm and moist — germination is slow.
2. Transplant into a large pot or polybag with free-draining mix when seedlings have 4–6 true leaves.
3. Place in full sun and water when the top of the soil feels dry.
4. Once flowers appear, feed with a fertilizer suited to fruiting crops, following its label.
5. Pick chilies when fully coloured, or earlier while green if you prefer.

Tip: check the undersides of leaves every week for whitefly, aphids and thrips. Catching them early matters more than any spray.