There is usually one small thing missing when you begin growing herbs or vegetables at home. You water the coriander carefully, the mint grows wildly in one corner, perhaps a tomato plant survives for a few weeks, but the kitchen still feels incomplete without fresh green chillies within reach.

Green chillies are part of everyday cooking in most homes. They are tossed into hot oil at the start of a curry, crushed into chutneys, added to fritters during the rains, and sometimes eaten raw beside a plate of steaming food. Growing them at home is surprisingly simple once you understand what the plant needs. A little sunlight, warmth, and patience are enough to turn a handful of seeds into a healthy chilli plant.

The best part is that these plants do not demand a large garden. They grow beautifully in pots, making them ideal for balconies, terraces, and sunny windowsills.

Here is a simple guide to growing green chillies from seeds at home.

1. Start with healthy seeds

A strong plant usually begins with good seeds. You can buy seeds from a nursery or use seeds from ripe chillies at home. Choose the ones that look healthy and mature, preferably those that have started turning........

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