Sweet peppers (Capsicum annuum) come from tropical America and need a long, warm season, so in Central Europe they are always raised indoors. Sow in February or March at 22–25 °C, prick out into individual pots and grow on in a bright, warm spot; weak light makes seedlings leggy, so add a grow light if necessary. Harden off and plant out only after the Ice Saints in mid-May, into the warmest, sunniest bed or, better still, a greenhouse or polytunnel, where they crop more reliably. Space plants 40–50 cm apart in fertile, well-drained soil and stake them before the fruit gets heavy. Water regularly but moderately; uneven watering and calcium shortage cause blossom-end rot, a dark sunken patch at the base of the fruit. Aphids and, under glass, red spider mite are common pests. Peppers can be picked green once full-sized, or left to turn yellow, orange or red, which takes several more weeks but makes them sweeter and richer in vitamin C.