Curry Recipes Online
Beginners Guide => Grow Your Own Spices and Herbs => Topic started by: chriswg on March 04, 2010, 01:45 PM
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Its my favourite time of year, choosing chilli seeds to grow over the summer. Last year I had great success with Dorset Nagas (very hot but not very tasty) and super chillies (still using them now from the freezer).
This year I want to grow long green finger chillies like the indian supermarkets sell. The trouble is, they dont usually have a variety on them. Has anyone else done this successfully in the past? Im looking at Jati Jolokia or maybe a New Delhi Long but there are just so many varieties!
I'm going to grow some Jalapenos too as I use them all the time on pizzas.
Any help would be much appreciated.
Chris
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Now that does sound cool
I guess you've seen this site?
http://www.nickys-nursery.co.uk/seeds/pages/veg-chilipepper2.htm (http://www.nickys-nursery.co.uk/seeds/pages/veg-chilipepper2.htm)
They have bundles of Chillies here, some Mexican of course, though I've seen them for sale in Indian stores too. I've always wanted to try and grow some but I think I'm too lazy frankly in that department.
Its my favourite time of year, choosing chilli seeds to grow over the summer. Last year I had great success with Dorset Nagas (very hot but not very tasty) and super chillies (still using them now from the freezer).
This year I want to grow long green finger chillies like the indian supermarkets sell. The trouble is, they dont usually have a variety on them. Has anyone else done this successfully in the past? Im looking at Jati Jolokia or maybe a New Delhi Long but there are just so many varieties!
I'm going to grow some Jalapenos too as I use them all the time on pizzas.
Any help would be much appreciated.
Chris
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morrisons is selling starter grow packs with various themes. I bought the mexican one that has chillies, tomatoes?, and some kinda bean.
?3 for 3 pots, soil and seeds
thought i would give it a whirl on a windosill
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Mikka they are the easiest things in the world to grow and it is really addictive. You just need a pot, some compost and some seeds. As long as they get lots of sun and enough water you will get all the chillies you could ever need. I started mine on a windowsill and they ended up in the conservatory. My 6 super chilli plants last year produced close to 1000 chillies. I use them in chilli con carne from the freezer but they don't work in Indian cooking. It really is amazing watching such a small seed turn into a huge plant bearing fruit in a matter of 4 - 5 months. Everyone should be doing it.
I also highly highly recommend growing a few coriander plants. It's amazing how quickly they spread. I always find the stuff from the supermarket doesn't last long enough and I'm not a big fan of freezing it. Asda sell the plants already growing, all you need to do is stick them in a pot or in your garden and it will double or triple in size in a couple of weeks.
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Hi Chris
If you want the type of chillies as the restaurant use which is the type sold in Indian grocers just buy a few and dry them on a rad or remove the seeds and put them in an airing cupboard for a week or two and then plant out, I must say I have had great success from packets of dried chillies, where I am SW France the summers are hot so they grow really well here just as wel as chillies are hard to get fresh and so expensive you would not believe!!!!!
I also grow lemon grass, corriander and ginger, but chillies are my favourite, purchased lots of different dried chilies last year so will have a large variety this year (fingers crossed)
regards
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Looking forward to getting some chilli seeds planted again soon, does anybody know why it is when you have a plant full of flower heads ready to turn to chillis, sometimes the heads drop off? Its happened to me both last two years and its gutting! :'( :'(
W
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The only living green thing in my house is the shop bought coriander. I seem to manage to kill everything else >:(. I had the same experience with a chilli plant my friend bought for me :'( . That emoti icon is bloody brilliant ;D EDIT. I should have said the avatar ::)
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That emoti icon is bloody brilliant ;D
Hehe cheers CH, took inspiration from you guys down in fleet, also took a bit of effort getting it to work!!
W
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Planted my seeds on Monday this time I've got Cherry Bombs,Satan's Kiss,Chocolate Habeneros, Banana Pepper and Jalapenos hope they do better than last year though will be taking more care of them this time round.
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I've got to run out and get some compost today and get mine in this weekend. I left it far too late last year.
I'm just going to be growing Jalepno's, finger chilli's and I'm going to try some green capsicums this year too :)
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Its my favourite time of year, choosing chilli seeds to grow over the summer. Last year I had great success with Dorset Nagas (very hot but not very tasty) and super chillies (still using them now from the freezer).
This year I want to grow long green finger chillies like the indian supermarkets sell. The trouble is, they dont usually have a variety on them. Has anyone else done this successfully in the past? Im looking at Jati Jolokia or maybe a New Delhi Long but there are just so many varieties!
I'm going to grow some Jalapenos too as I use them all the time on pizzas.
Any help would be much appreciated.
Chris
I've had much success with these:
http://www.thompson-morgan.com/vegetables/vegetable-seeds/pepper-sweet-and-chilli-seeds/chilli-pepper-pinocchios-nose-hot/294TM (http://www.thompson-morgan.com/vegetables/vegetable-seeds/pepper-sweet-and-chilli-seeds/chilli-pepper-pinocchios-nose-hot/294TM)
They won't blow your head off, and can grow to around 10" long, so you get great value for money too.
I know what you mean about Dorset Nagas, which seem all about the heat rather than flavour. I grew some a couple of years ago but haven't bothered since, preferring the much more flavoursome Naga Jolokia. (Be warned that in a greenhouse the plants can get seriously big).
I've tried various seed suppliers, but these (again from Thompson) have yet to fail me:
http://www.thompson-morgan.com/vegetables/vegetable-seeds/pepper-sweet-and-chilli-seeds/chilli-pepper-naga-jolokia-very-hot/4753TM (http://www.thompson-morgan.com/vegetables/vegetable-seeds/pepper-sweet-and-chilli-seeds/chilli-pepper-naga-jolokia-very-hot/4753TM)
Here are some from last year's crop...
(http://www.curry-recipes.co.uk/imagehost/pics/998e1eaea5650c9b8656df609e5439dc.jpg) (http://www.curry-recipes.co.uk/imagehost/#998e1eaea5650c9b8656df609e5439dc.jpg)
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Hi All :)
I have grown Chillies for 30 odd years so here are some basic tips
When you transplant make sure that the new pot is not too big as this will encourage extra leaf growth
When you water use rainwater only
Make sure that the water temp is the same as the plant they can go into shock easily 1 of the causes of blossom drop
Over watering will cause blossom drop as well
Keep them outside as much as you can for better pollination
Sometimes you can be lucky harvesting seeds from bought Chillies the only problem is they can be Hybrids and will not fruit.if you buy seeds make sure there not F1 hybrids then the seeds can be used every year
The seed companies want you to buy every year so ignore all the hype about F1 seeds
I hope this is of some use to some of you
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I never buy seeds, I just use the seeds from Chillis I have bought and dry them out, and I have never had any problem growing them in the last 5 years except from last year when I sowed them way too late!! :)
Keep them warm and dry, don't expose them to frost, and don't over water them, I have often used tap water when rain water hasn't been abundent and they still grow fine. I guess I am particularly lucky to have a southern facing back garden which is a bit of suntrap :)
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Has anyone managed to grow chillies from seeds taken from a chilli pickle like Mr Naga or Mr Vikki? I'm wondering if these products are heat treated for sterilisation which might render the seeds sterile. Maybe I'll try it anyway :)
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If you want to grow from the seeds of chillis you've bought, dry them first. apparently they germinate better. I had 20 plants on the go last year and I feel winter coming to an end...
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Do you think Seeds from whole chillies that have been frozen would still be viable?
Think I might have a go this year, so what varieties would you recommend for beginners, good crop, and are better suited to curries, oh and not too hot.
Cheers
Martin
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sorry..im a newbie at this but i'm gonna try this year.
bought a packet of cayenne pepper seeds
don't know where to start :(
do you plant the seeds straight into the pot of soil???
do you soak the seeds in wet cotton wool first until they sprout then pot into soil???
Help....... :)
thanks in advance
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I've not tried seeds that have been frozen before, but I can't see why they would not work, they have not been tempered in any way....
Any fresh green finger chillies you buy will work, Jalapenos, Scotch bonnets, red, green, they're all seeds at the end of the day.
I just get a seed tray, layer it with about an inch or so of compost, press it down, lay the seeds in the tray, cover with another inch or so of compost, press it down, water the compost, not too much or the soil gets saturated and can rot the seeds.
Keep them in a warm dry place, preferably in the sunlight. ( A windowsill works well). Kepp out of the frost.
Chilli seeds do take a while to germinate, so don't poke, pull or do anyrthing with them, just leave them be and when you feel the soil is getting dry, give them a drink... this is why you need to start them off on Feb or very early March...
Sooner or later you will see little green shoots sprouting up through the soil. Just keep watering them when they get dry and give them as much sunlight as you can but keep them indoors.
When they are about 2-3 inches tall and thin and scraggly, carefully transfer them to individual pots, then care for them exactly as above..
They should flower around late July/August and produce fruit shortly afterwards :)
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Cheers 976
I'll open some of my frozen ones up to remove some seeds, dry them out for a few days in the airing cupboard, and have a go at planting some.
Sadly I threw away about six chillies worth yesterday. ::)
I was thinking of buying some from here
http://stores.ebay.co.uk/Premier-Seeds-Direct/_i.html?_nkw=chilli&submit=Search&_sid=79364908 (http://stores.ebay.co.uk/Premier-Seeds-Direct/_i.html?_nkw=chilli&submit=Search&_sid=79364908)
Good feedback and I've seen them recommended around various sites on the net.
Pretty cheap for the amount of seeds you get too.
But there are so many to choose from, hence me asking what varieties would be recommended. :-\
Martin
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Hi Martin,
What is this myth about drying out seeds in the airing cupboard? Just put them in some paper towel in a bowl and put them on the window ledge.
I don't even bother drying mine out, I just remove them sometimes from the chilli and pop them straight into the compost :)
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;D
I don't know, but I've always done it in the past with other fresh seeds, and basically with absolutely anything that says 'put it in a warm dry place'. ;)
I always used to germinate the seeds in there too, then again my house is pretty cold because I don't use the central heating. ::) ;D
Martin
PS was thinking of possibly getting these varieties from the above
POINSETTIA, FRESNO, TAM JALAPENO (MILD), THAI HOT CULINARY
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I'm very keen to grow my own chillies again this year. ;D But I won't plant until the Moon is traveling through a water sign, astrologically speaking. 8) Poppycock, I hear you say, but even James May (Top Gear's Captain Slow) and Oz Clarke, wine guru, have visited and tasted wines using this biodynamic method. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/magazine/8008167.stm
Some say pseudo science but the Moon exerts a huge gravitational pull on all water, so when we sow seeds when there is plenty of moisture 'rising' its beneficial to helping the seed propagate. Also bear in mind the waxing of the Moon, from new to full, the increase of gravitational pull is increased, also a good time for white magic, but that is another story.
For info on lunar phases click the link following.
http://darkstarastrology.com/lunar-calendar-moon-phases/ (http://darkstarastrology.com/lunar-calendar-moon-phases/)
Just down the road from me, luckily is the great South Devon Chilli Farm, http://www.southdevonchillifarm.co.uk/?referrer=devonchillifarm&gclid=CPD3qODvt64CFe4htAodFnlRFQ I'll be shopping there soon, well when I'm not so pie eyed from all this lovely cider.
All the best
Colette.
8)
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Moonshine Chillies anyone? :o ;D
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I never buy seeds, I just use the seeds from Chillis I have bought and dry them out, and I have never had any problem growing them in the last 5 years except from last year when I sowed them way too late!! :)
Keep them warm and dry, don't expose them to frost, and don't over water them, I have often used tap water when rain water hasn't been abundent and they still grow fine. I guess I am particularly lucky to have a southern facing back garden which is a bit of suntrap :)
The idea of my post was to give tips for better" husbandry" not a point for debating. there are all sorts of methods which can work................time has dictated my tips from actual growing experiences over a long time and learning the hard way
I hope some of you are grateful for good advice
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This years crop is in the propagator as of this morning. I planted mine way too late too and they didn't come through at all until about July!
This year I have gone for mainly Khorika Jolokia and "Curry" chillies with some Naga Vipers and Trinidad Scorpions (1.5 million scoville) thrown in for good measure. Oh and a couple of birds eye chillies left over from last year. I'm hoping they come through nice and early giving a long harvest.
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The idea of my post was to give tips for better" husbandry" not a point for debating. there are all sorts of methods which can work................time has dictated my tips from actual growing experiences over a long time and learning the hard way
I hope some of you are grateful for good advice
Don't go getting your panties in a bunch there friend,
Everyone has there own opinion on things, And It's all about what works for them ;D
Les
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Hi Martin,
What is this myth about drying out seeds in the airing cupboard? Just put them in some paper towel in a bowl and put them on the window ledge.
I don't even bother drying mine out, I just remove them sometimes from the chilli and pop them straight into the compost :)
Hi 976bar
Is this method of cutting chillis open and planting a certainty, i'm up for cutting one of my finger chillis open but as it takes 2-3 weeks to appear I'll be gutted if nothing happpens :-\
W
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Hi Martin,
What is this myth about drying out seeds in the airing cupboard? Just put them in some paper towel in a bowl and put them on the window ledge.
I don't even bother drying mine out, I just remove them sometimes from the chilli and pop them straight into the compost :)
Hi 976bar
Is this method of cutting chillis open and planting a certainty, i'm up for cutting one of my finger chillis open but as it takes 2-3 weeks to appear I'll be gutted if nothing happpens :-\
W
While nothing is a certainty in this game, I do it all the time with all sorts of seeds gifted from produce I've bought, and can confirm that it does work. And on the occasions when it doesn't, it hasn't cost you anything other than around a week of time waiting to see if they sprout. (I'd recommend planting 3 seeds per pot to give yourself the best chance. You can always thin out if they all sprout.)
Nature is a wonderful thing. In 2010, for instance, I chucked some rotting supermarket tomatoes into my compost bin, and in 2011 worked the compost into my raised beds. A few weeks later what I thought were strange-looking weeds started appearing everywhere, and as it transpired their distinct tomato plant appearance was entirely due to the fact that they were, in fact, tomato plants, which had sprouted from those rotting supermarket tomatoes. I let a handful of them do their own thing, and they turned out really well.
Previously I'd gone to all the trouble of scooping tomato seeds out of the flesh, painstakingly separating them and placing them carefully on blotting paper to dry out.
Now I don't bother - just scoop a few out with a teaspoon and whack them in some compost and let them get on with it.
Give it a go!
Cheers
Gary
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The idea of my post was to give tips for better" husbandry" not a point for debating. there are all sorts of methods which can work................time has dictated my tips from actual growing experiences over a long time and learning the hard way
I hope some of you are grateful for good advice
Don't go getting your panties in a bunch there friend,
Everyone has there own opinion on things, And It's all about what works for them ;D
Hi Les
Its not a case of opinions when it comes to scientific facts re growing things
Lots of things work but to me its a case of the best ways for better results and passing them on
Les
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Hi Martin,
What is this myth about drying out seeds in the airing cupboard? Just put them in some paper towel in a bowl and put them on the window ledge.
I don't even bother drying mine out, I just remove them sometimes from the chilli and pop them straight into the compost :)
Hi 976bar
Is this method of cutting chillis open and planting a certainty, i'm up for cutting one of my finger chillis open but as it takes 2-3 weeks to appear I'll be gutted if nothing happpens :-\
W
While nothing is a certainty in this game, I do it all the time with all sorts of seeds gifted from produce I've bought, and can confirm that it does work. And on the occasions when it doesn't, it hasn't cost you anything other than around a week of time waiting to see if they sprout. (I'd recommend planting 3 seeds per pot to give yourself the best chance. You can always thin out if they all sprout.)
Nature is a wonderful thing. In 2010, for instance, I chucked some rotting supermarket tomatoes into my compost bin, and in 2011 worked the compost into my raised beds. A few weeks later what I thought were strange-looking weeds started appearing everywhere, and as it transpired their distinct tomato plant appearance was entirely due to the fact that they were, in fact, tomato plants, which had sprouted from those rotting supermarket tomatoes. I let a handful of them do their own thing, and they turned out really well.
Previously I'd gone to all the trouble of scooping tomato seeds out of the flesh, painstakingly separating them and placing them carefully on blotting paper to dry out.
Now I don't bother - just scoop a few out with a teaspoon and whack them in some compost and let them get on with it.
Give it a go!
Cheers
Gary
Cheers SD
Ive split open a finger chilli and deseeded it ready for sowing tomorrow ;)
Whilst on the subject of growing, coriander is supposed to be easy but i seem to struggle keeping the pre-bought growing stuff alive. It either goes dark green on the edges or goes a bit dry and brown so obviously under or overwatering :'( :'(
Anybody any thoughts on that one ???
W
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Hi Martin,
What is this myth about drying out seeds in the airing cupboard? Just put them in some paper towel in a bowl and put them on the window ledge.
I don't even bother drying mine out, I just remove them sometimes from the chilli and pop them straight into the compost :)
Hi 976bar
Is this method of cutting chillis open and planting a certainty, i'm up for cutting one of my finger chillis open but as it takes 2-3 weeks to appear I'll be gutted if nothing happpens :-\
W
While nothing is a certainty in this game, I do it all the time with all sorts of seeds gifted from produce I've bought, and can confirm that it does work. And on the occasions when it doesn't, it hasn't cost you anything other than around a week of time waiting to see if they sprout. (I'd recommend planting 3 seeds per pot to give yourself the best chance. You can always thin out if they all sprout.)
Nature is a wonderful thing. In 2010, for instance, I chucked some rotting supermarket tomatoes into my compost bin, and in 2011 worked the compost into my raised beds. A few weeks later what I thought were strange-looking weeds started appearing everywhere, and as it transpired their distinct tomato plant appearance was entirely due to the fact that they were, in fact, tomato plants, which had sprouted from those rotting supermarket tomatoes. I let a handful of them do their own thing, and they turned out really well.
Previously I'd gone to all the trouble of scooping tomato seeds out of the flesh, painstakingly separating them and placing them carefully on blotting paper to dry out.
Now I don't bother - just scoop a few out with a teaspoon and whack them in some compost and let them get on with it.
Give it a go!
Cheers
Gary
Hi Gary
Yes its very rewarding harvesting seeds from bought produce, often they will all germinate the problem is with the fruiting, very frustating after waiting 8 months and no chillies.The way to avoid this is to buy a packet of seeds named but not a hybrid then save and use them every year
I have been using tobasco seeds from 1 packet for some 25 years no problems
hope this is of some use
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Hi Martin,
What is this myth about drying out seeds in the airing cupboard? Just put them in some paper towel in a bowl and put them on the window ledge.
I don't even bother drying mine out, I just remove them sometimes from the chilli and pop them straight into the compost :)
Hi 976bar
Is this method of cutting chillis open and planting a certainty, i'm up for cutting one of my finger chillis open but as it takes 2-3 weeks to appear I'll be gutted if nothing happpens :-\
W
While nothing is a certainty in this game, I do it all the time with all sorts of seeds gifted from produce I've bought, and can confirm that it does work. And on the occasions when it doesn't, it hasn't cost you anything other than around a week of time waiting to see if they sprout. (I'd recommend planting 3 seeds per pot to give yourself the best chance. You can always thin out if they all sprout.)
Nature is a wonderful thing. In 2010, for instance, I chucked some rotting supermarket tomatoes into my compost bin, and in 2011 worked the compost into my raised beds. A few weeks later what I thought were strange-looking weeds started appearing everywhere, and as it transpired their distinct tomato plant appearance was entirely due to the fact that they were, in fact, tomato plants, which had sprouted from those rotting supermarket tomatoes. I let a handful of them do their own thing, and they turned out really well.
Previously I'd gone to all the trouble of scooping tomato seeds out of the flesh, painstakingly separating them and placing them carefully on blotting paper to dry out.
Now I don't bother - just scoop a few out with a teaspoon and whack them in some compost and let them get on with it.
Give it a go!
Cheers
Gary
Hi Gary
Yes its very rewarding harvesting seeds from bought produce, often they will all germinate the problem is with the fruiting, very frustating after waiting 8 months and no chillies.The way to avoid this is to buy a packet of seeds named but not a hybrid then save and use them every year
I have been using tobasco seeds from 1 packet for some 25 years no problems
hope this is of some use
Top advice indeed (and it sounds like you and I have been doing this for about the same length of time).
I've been pretty lucky to date with fruiting (more luck than judgement), but as you say you can't be certain which produce has had the Monsanto touch, so best to be on the safe side - especially when starting out.
If you've got room, I guess a safe way to proceed would to be to plant some bought seeds to be assured of a crop, but also a few taken from fresh or dried chillies to grow alongside to see how they get on. If they work, then harvest the seed for next year.
I've just loaded the propagator with some finger chilli seeds from a few chillies I begged from my local restaurant, along with some Kashmiri, habanero, cherry bomb, jalapeno, poblano, lada api (a chilli from Borneo I've not tried before) and a few others.
Now the wait....
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Hi Martin,
What is this myth about drying out seeds in the airing cupboard? Just put them in some paper towel in a bowl and put them on the window ledge.
I don't even bother drying mine out, I just remove them sometimes from the chilli and pop them straight into the compost :)
Hi 976bar
Is this method of cutting chillis open and planting a certainty, i'm up for cutting one of my finger chillis open but as it takes 2-3 weeks to appear I'll be gutted if nothing happpens :-\
W
While nothing is a certainty in this game, I do it all the time with all sorts of seeds gifted from produce I've bought, and can confirm that it does work. And on the occasions when it doesn't, it hasn't cost you anything other than around a week of time waiting to see if they sprout. (I'd recommend planting 3 seeds per pot to give yourself the best chance. You can always thin out if they all sprout.)
Nature is a wonderful thing. In 2010, for instance, I chucked some rotting supermarket tomatoes into my compost bin, and in 2011 worked the compost into my raised beds. A few weeks later what I thought were strange-looking weeds started appearing everywhere, and as it transpired their distinct tomato plant appearance was entirely due to the fact that they were, in fact, tomato plants, which had sprouted from those rotting supermarket tomatoes. I let a handful of them do their own thing, and they turned out really well.
Previously I'd gone to all the trouble of scooping tomato seeds out of the flesh, painstakingly separating them and placing them carefully on blotting paper to dry out.
Now I don't bother - just scoop a few out with a teaspoon and whack them in some compost and let them get on with it.
Give it a go!
Cheers
Gary
Hi Gary
Yes its very rewarding harvesting seeds from bought produce, often they will all germinate the problem is with the fruiting, very frustating after waiting 8 months and no chillies.The way to avoid this is to buy a packet of seeds named but not a hybrid then save and use them every year
I have been using tobasco seeds from 1 packet for some 25 years no problems
hope this is of some use
Top advice indeed (and it sounds like you and I have been doing this for about the same length of time).
I've been pretty lucky to date with fruiting (more luck than judgement), but as you say you can't be certain which produce has had the Monsanto touch, so best to be on the safe side - especially when starting out.
If you've got room, I guess a safe way to proceed would to be to plant some bought seeds to be assured of a crop, but also a few taken from fresh or dried chillies to grow alongside to see how they get on. If they work, then harvest the seed for next year.
I've just loaded the propagator with some finger chilli seeds from a few chillies I begged from my local restaurant, along with some Kashmiri, habanero, cherry bomb, jalapeno, poblano, lada api (a chilli from Borneo I've not tried before) and a few others.
Now the wait....
I agree with all you say there start easy then experiment :)
It is the same with tomatoes If you choose seeds for flavour there are some excellent varieties compared with the commercial tasteless objects.
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I used to put seeds into wet cotton wool to let them sprout first before planting into soil
ok, this was back in the day and the seeds were marijuana but a seed's a seed and the process is the same...?? right??
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I'm sorry if I offended anyone earlier in the day, it was not intentional in any way...
All I will say is, take a look at nature. Birds and rodents alike, crack open pods and carry seeds for miles, and drop them, the seeds work their way into the ground and before you know it, a plant has sprouted.... Take a look around you the next time you go for a walk in the woods or even on the way to your local shops. Do you think all those trees and plants were planted by a human being?
We all know this is natures route, but it's not difficult to imagine that cutting open a chilli or a pepper and scooping out the seeds and popping them into some compost is rocket science... it works...
But as said earlier, if those seeds do fail, just like any shop/online bought seeds can fail too, no matter what method you use to germinate them, at least the ones you got from the pods you bought in the supermarket have'nt cost you much in revenue....
But you could also reap the rewards as I have for many years :)
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Hey Terramamba
great link to the South Devon Chili Farm and their products - the chilies must grow really well there.
best, Rich
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Hey Terramamba
great link to the South Devon Chili Farm and their products - the chilies must grow really well there.
best, Rich
Hi Rich,
Great place to visit and yes with plenty of sunshine and the chillies under polytunnels they do very well there. ;D
I was amazed at the variety of plants, and the people who run it are very enthusiastic about chilies, as you would expect!
All the best,
Colette ;D
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Hi Les
Its not a case of opinions when it comes to scientific facts re growing things
Lots of things work but to me its a case of the best ways for better results and passing them on
Les
[/quote]
I hear what your saying my friend,
In the early 90s I attended a Horticultural collage for my NVQ level2, and some of the things I see today as regards to seeds and plants make me wonder how we ever get things to grow, But we do, So it does make me wonder if we where taught the right things at collage way back then and was it really necessary, Like the guy's on here now that just throw in a hand full of seeds from fresh chillies, we would never have been allowed to do that. we had to check the seeds first to see if they where viable or not, so as not to plant seeds that wont grow, which is obviously a waste of time, But as I said Times change
Les
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Hi Les,
I do get some seeds that won't grow, that's why I always put more in than I need. If they do all come through and one or two years they have, I end up with an abundance of plants and usually just give some away to friends and family :)
I wouldn't have a clue as to what to look for to see if a seed is viable or not lol...
For those of you with a sweet tooth, I'm going to post a recipe for Chilli Chocolate Truffles which are absolutely gorgeous!! :)
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I wouldn't have a clue as to what to look for to see if a seed is viable or not lol...
Hi 976bar
The way I was taught was
Put some water into a glass, Drop in your seeds, If they FLOAT Not Viable (air in seed)
If they SINK they are viable, then either plant them or dry them off and keep for another time, (make sure they are dry or they will rot)
It's that simple ;D
This would apply to almost any seeds.
Les
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Cool Les,
Thanks for that :)
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Cool Les,
Thanks for that :)
Your welcome,
Forgot to mention........can be a bit fiddly as well at times, ;)
We had to do it for a whole day, and it really got on my tit's >:(
Les
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I wonder if that would work for Spouses?
I guess if they sunk you could always leave them there!! ;D ;D ;D
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I wonder if that would work for Spouses?
I guess if they sunk you could always leave them there!! ;D ;D ;D
Mine floats.....She has her own water wings ;D Bless er
Les
-
Why am I struggling getting through to some of you :o
My last effort :o
F1 seeds are Hybrids and will not reproduce viable seeds but will germinate like all seeds
Look in a seed shop or garden centre at the seeds some seeds will have F1 on the tops they will give the result of same parents but the seeds collected will be sterile( like jaffa or mules) after that any more doubts google it
Some of these hybrids are used commercially for chillies etc the seeds are useless when you harvest your own
Quite right about seeds floating or not some seeds are duds
-
I wonder if that would work for Spouses?
I guess if they sunk you could always leave them there!! ;D ;D ;D
Mine floats.....She has her own water wings ;D Bless er
Les
This used to be used as a way of checking for witches, if they managed to stay afloat they were witches and executed but if they sunk and drowned they weren't :-\
Same result either way :(
W
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Hi Noble ox
Thanks for your advice (and everyone elses), appreciated.
I've planted some seeds from my frozen chillis, and I've also ordered some from the ebay seller I mentioned too.
In the end I ordered -
THAI HOT CULINARY - 60 SEEDS
A compact variety ideal for containers producing plants with attractive upright clusters of slender 3? long, hot, intensely flavoured fruits. Best grown under glass, but can be moved outside to a very warm sheltered location during a good summer.
FRESNO - 100 FINEST SEEDS
One of the best known varieties sold whole in shops, with a mild/hot flavour producing heavy crops of 3" long conical fruits which can be used green or when ripening to red. The plant has green stems, dark green leaves, and white flowers growing to 30?. Disease Resistant: Tobacco Mosiac.
POINSETTIA - 60 FINEST SEEDS
A stunning very ornamental edible pepper named due to its similarity to the popular Xmas plant. The 3? long ?? long hot hooked fruits ripen to an attractive red and are born in great abundance and top the plant as they grow upwards in large clumps. Ideally suited for container and indoor cultivation growing to a maximum of 24?. Matures 90+ days from germination.
SANTA FE GRANDE - 100 SEEDS
Hot conical blunt-tipped waxed fruits, 1?" wide by 3?" long with medium thick walls are produced on sturdy 24" tall plants. Continuous heavy yields. Ripens from yellow to orange to red. 75-80 days from transplant.
Not too bad for ?4.55 posted.
Now I've got to clear out some space, to grow them indoors, and find somewhere to put the pots of them in the garden in the summer.
Oh and, Tom feed is fine to feed them at flowering stage isn't it?
Cheers
Martin
-
Hi Noble ox
Thanks for your advice (and everyone elses), appreciated.
I've planted some seeds from my frozen chillis, and I've also ordered some from the ebay seller I mentioned too.
In the end I ordered -
THAI HOT CULINARY - 60 SEEDS
A compact variety ideal for containers producing plants with attractive upright clusters of slender 3? long, hot, intensely flavoured fruits. Best grown under glass, but can be moved outside to a very warm sheltered location during a good summer.
FRESNO - 100 FINEST SEEDS
One of the best known varieties sold whole in shops, with a mild/hot flavour producing heavy crops of 3" long conical fruits which can be used green or when ripening to red. The plant has green stems, dark green leaves, and white flowers growing to 30?. Disease Resistant: Tobacco Mosiac.
POINSETTIA - 60 FINEST SEEDS
A stunning very ornamental edible pepper named due to its similarity to the popular Xmas plant. The 3? long ?? long hot hooked fruits ripen to an attractive red and are born in great abundance and top the plant as they grow upwards in large clumps. Ideally suited for container and indoor cultivation growing to a maximum of 24?. Matures 90+ days from germination.
SANTA FE GRANDE - 100 SEEDS
Hot conical blunt-tipped waxed fruits, 1?" wide by 3?" long with medium thick walls are produced on sturdy 24" tall plants. Continuous heavy yields. Ripens from yellow to orange to red. 75-80 days from transplant.
Not too bad for ?4.55 posted.
Now I've got to clear out some space, to grow them indoors, and find somewhere to put the pots of them in the garden in the summer.
Oh and, Tom feed is fine to feed them at flowering stage isn't it?
Cheers
Martin
Hi Martin
Yes feed as tomatoes and enjoy watching them grow
When I have too many even after freezing I cut the stem ends off leaving the seeds inside then sink them in distilled vinegar in jars and eat them through the wintertime
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Hi Martinvic,
If you don't have a lot of floor space then they grow equally well in hanging baskets :)
-
I wonder if that would work for Spouses?
I guess if they sunk you could always leave them there!! ;D ;D ;D
Mine floats.....She has her own water wings ;D Bless er
Les
This used to be used as a way of checking for witches, if they managed to stay afloat they were witches and executed but if they sunk and drowned they weren't :-\
Same result either way :(
W
Bring back the old laws!!! lol :)
-
Why am I struggling getting through to some of you :o
My last effort :o
F1 seeds are Hybrids and will not reproduce viable seeds but will germinate like all seeds
Look in a seed shop or garden centre at the seeds some seeds will have F1 on the tops they will give the result of same parents but the seeds collected will be sterile( like jaffa or mules) after that any more doubts google it
Some of these hybrids are used commercially for chillies etc the seeds are useless when you harvest your own
Quite right about seeds floating or not some seeds are duds
Noble Ox,
Is it time of the month or something???
I think everyone actually got what you you pre-menstrating about the first time round!!
We do actually listen to what people say and take it on board...
And we also like everyone's advice, and we all appreciate yours :)
-
Why am I struggling getting through to some of you :o
My last effort :o
F1 seeds are Hybrids and will not reproduce viable seeds but will germinate like all seeds
Look in a seed shop or garden centre at the seeds some seeds will have F1 on the tops they will give the result of same parents but the seeds collected will be sterile( like jaffa or mules) after that any more doubts google it
Some of these hybrids are used commercially for chillies etc the seeds are useless when you harvest your own
Quite right about seeds floating or not some seeds are duds
Noble Ox,
Is it time of the month or something???
I think everyone actually got what you you pre-menstrating about the first time round!!
We do actually listen to what people say and take it on board...
And we also like everyone's advice, and we all appreciate yours :)
You have totally missed my point ( others understood) then rudeness enters nothing more to say]
-
I have not missed your point at all....
Have a great day :)
-
Just a thought, anybody fancy some seed trading?
Mine should be here anyday soon, so would be willing to trade for other named varieties.
To repeat myself, these are what I have incoming
THAI HOT CULINARY - 60 SEEDS
A compact variety ideal for containers producing plants with attractive upright clusters of slender 3? long, hot, intensely flavoured fruits. Best grown under glass, but can be moved outside to a very warm sheltered location during a good summer.
FRESNO - 100 FINEST SEEDS
One of the best known varieties sold whole in shops, with a mild/hot flavour producing heavy crops of 3" long conical fruits which can be used green or when ripening to red. The plant has green stems, dark green leaves, and white flowers growing to 30?. Disease Resistant: Tobacco Mosiac.
POINSETTIA - 60 FINEST SEEDS
A stunning very ornamental edible pepper named due to its similarity to the popular Xmas plant. The 3? long ?? long hot hooked fruits ripen to an attractive red and are born in great abundance and top the plant as they grow upwards in large clumps. Ideally suited for container and indoor cultivation growing to a maximum of 24?. Matures 90+ days from germination.
SANTA FE GRANDE - 100 SEEDS
Hot conical blunt-tipped waxed fruits, 1?" wide by 3?" long with medium thick walls are produced on sturdy 24" tall plants. Continuous heavy yields. Ripens from yellow to orange to red. 75-80 days from transplant.
Cheers
Martin
-
Some of you are no doubt aware, but for those of you who aren't, chilli plants are in fact quite long lived*, and even in the UK they can be over-wintered (with a bit of care), and can go on to give years of sterling service. In fact, some varieties actually crop more heavily in the second years and beyond.
There's a wee article about it here that may be of interest:
http://www.chilefoundry.co.uk/2011/10/12/matt-simpson%E2%80%99s-guide-to-over-wintering-chillies-repost/ (http://www.chilefoundry.co.uk/2011/10/12/matt-simpson%E2%80%99s-guide-to-over-wintering-chillies-repost/)
*Some varieties more so than others...
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Nice post Salvador!! :)
-
sorted
eventually got round to planting some seeds today
I've planted 20 scotch bonnets, 20 cayenne and 20 finger chillis
first time planting chilli seeds so fingers crossed :)
nothing ventured, nothing gained as they say
-
Well Done Mojo,
I had to put mine in a cold frame today, othewwise run the risk of them becoming waterlogged....
Nice to see a decent post on the forum today!!! :)
-
Nice to see a decent post on the forum today!!! :)
Yet another "put me down", to all have posted on here today, 976bar! :o
Is it really any wonder why noone wants to post! ???
-
sorted
eventually got round to planting some seeds today
I've planted 20 scotch bonnets, 20 cayenne and 20 finger chillis
first time planting chilli seeds so fingers crossed :)
nothing ventured, nothing gained as they say
Same here, mine went in on the 29th.
20 of each, plus a seed tray full of seeds collected from a variety of chillies.
They are all in my airing cupboard so nice and warm, so here's hoping.
I've also made a big light reflector for my bedroom windowsill, for when/if they germinate.
Martin
-
Some of you are no doubt aware, but for those of you who aren't, chilli plants are in fact quite long lived*, and even in the UK they can be overwintered (with a bit of care), and can go on to give years of sterling service. In fact, some varieties actually crop more heavily in the second years and beyond.
There's a wee article about it here that may be of interest:
http://www.chilefoundry.co.uk/2011/10/12/matt-simpson%E2%80%99s-guide-to-over-wintering-chillies-repost/ (http://www.chilefoundry.co.uk/2011/10/12/matt-simpson%E2%80%99s-guide-to-over-wintering-chillies-repost/)
*Some varieties more so than others...
Good and interesting site, I was not aware that Chilli plants were perennial, unfortunately I did not manage to get any types that over winter easily, I am growing on a windowsill so space is at a premium.
Great advice on this thread, from everyone :)
Planted mine today.
Naga Jolokia, seven seeds for four quid!!! Shocking :o
Demon Red, Prairie Fire, and allegedly the first ever cut and come again Coriander!
(http://www.curry-recipes.co.uk/imagehost/pics/b06cf490dd7245984bf3dc792ba19122.jpg) (http://www.curry-recipes.co.uk/imagehost/#b06cf490dd7245984bf3dc792ba19122.jpg)
The Moon is passing through the sign of Cancer (water sign) and waxing (getting bigger!) so in Biodynamic terms a good time to plant. Saying that though, all seeds, want to grow and probably do whatever sign or phase the Moon is in, I believe that I may get better results that is all. Again, saying that, good husbandry is vital.
All the best ;D
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Yay, some of my seeds are now breaking through the surface (7 days). All from each of the bought seeds ;D, but none from my collected seeds so far. :(
I have now moved the seed trays, from the airing cupboard, to my bedroom windowsill, in the large light reflector box I made.
I've also, dug out an old electric blanket, folded it into four and it fits perfectly under the set up. So if we have a really cold spell I can give it some bottom heat, with a choice of 3 heat settings.
My first time growing them so a little excited. ;)
Martin
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Naga Jolokia, seven seeds for four quid!!! Shocking :o
I know we've already discussed this earlier in the thread, but when seeds get to this sort of price it really is worth trying harvesting your own seeds from the fruit itself.
It can be hit or miss with chillies you've bought from shops/markets, etc., but if you can get to one of the increasing numbers of chilli festivals around the country and buy/purloin from growers exhibiting, you'll increase your chance of success dramatically. (I'm not far from West Dean near Chichester, which has a massive chilli festival every August, and I've not had a failure yet using seeds harvested from chillies thus acquired.)
You can also pick up some very unusual types of chilli, too. For example, someone (who shall remain unnamed) managed to return home from the Eden Project in Cornwall with a few 'samples' of their own unique varieties of habanero, which did very well last year (I'm reliably informed... ;-).
But whether your seeds are free or cost a fortune, it's all great fun...
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I didn't realise that chillies were perennial until I started growing my own. I always imagined you should pull them out at the end of the fruiting season, like tomatoes. They overwinter perfectly in most parts of Australia. Aubergines (eggplant) are also perennial, I've had heavy croppers going for three seasons. I'd bet they would overwinter ok in Southern / Western UK, especially in a greenhouse.
I had a flower bed under the bedroom winter (waste of space) and replaced with chillies, must have had hundreds this year, I stripped the plants of all the red fruit two weeks ago, dehydrated them, now they are bushing up again after a good feed and water, and there's a new flush of flowers coming on. :)
(http://i678.photobucket.com/albums/vv144/BribieG/chillibedLarge.jpg)
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My first Trinidad Scorpion plant popped up this morning:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trinidad_Scorpion_Butch_T_pepper (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trinidad_Scorpion_Butch_T_pepper)
Looking forward to seeing how they turn out.
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I'm really pleased with the seeds I bought from http://stores.ebay.co.uk/Premier-Seeds-Direct/_i.html?_nkw=chilli&submit=Search&_sid=79364908 (http://stores.ebay.co.uk/Premier-Seeds-Direct/_i.html?_nkw=chilli&submit=Search&_sid=79364908)
I planted 20 of each, and so far I have 16 of both the Fresno and Santa Fee Grande, 11 Poinsietta, and 9 Thai Culinary come through. More seem to appear every day. 8)
Oh and I have just one, so far, from a tray full (about 50) of my own collected seeds. :(
Maybe the taking of them from frozen chillies is possibly a problem.
So if you are looking for seeds I can obviously recommend them, way cheaper than anywhere else too.
Martin
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My Monday beer drinking mate (fellow home brewer and gardener) is here for a few jars. He tells me he bought a pack of dehydrated Kashmiri Chillies from the Indian Supermarket in Brisbane - the long medium-hot ones - and he sowed a few of the seeds. They came up like the clappers and he's looking forward to them. I think someone here was looking for the Kashmiri?
They were fully imported of course, not local. Obviously not irradiated or nuked whatever.
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Hows everyones chilli growing going then?
Mine are just producing their first true leaves, and seem to be going well.
Any luck with yours Michael? ;)
Martin
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My Monday beer drinking mate (fellow home brewer and gardener) is here for a few jars. He tells me he bought a pack of dehydrated Kashmiri Chillies from the Indian Supermarket in Brisbane - the long medium-hot ones - and he sowed a few of the seeds. They came up like the clappers and he's looking forward to them. I think someone here was looking for the Kashmiri?
They were fully imported of course, not local. Obviously not irradiated or nuked whatever.
Splendid - that's just how I get my Kashmiri chillies. As has been pointed out it can be hit and miss when using seeds harvested from bought chillies, but I've yet to have any problems - and I always find the Kashmiri seeds are the first to sprout of all the varieties I plant.
Hows everyones chilli growing going then?
Mine are just producing their first true leaves, and seem to be going well.
Martin
A lofty three inches or so here!
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Wow. where are you growing yours SD, windowsill like me or a greenhouse?
Martin
-
Mine seem to be coming through quite well. I put one tray underneath a radiator for a few days and now have an almost 100% success rate. The heated propagator is only getting about 70% success.
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Wow. where are you growing yours SD, windowsill like me or a greenhouse?
Martin
I start them off in a heated propagator, Martin, then 'harden off' on a south facing windowsill, then into the greenhouse when it's not so cold at night (hopefully soon!).
Strangely, the only ones that haven't sprouted yet have been commercial seeds. All the ones I harvested from last year's crop (which came from the crop before, and the one before that, etc) have popped up really quickly and appear in rude health.
Other years it's the opposite.
Nature, eh?
Isn't it wonderful...
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got mines on the windowsill...and they've just started to sprout...yeeehaaaa :)
c'mon the chillies :)
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Hi all - I've just registered on this site - great reading so far!
Do you think it's too late to start doing some chilli's? I always end up leaving it too late, but after reading this thread, it looks like I'm still too late, even though I thought I was early this year!
I'm probably going to do it anyway, but thought I'd ask the experts first for some tips!
Thanks,
-
(http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y67/martinvic/DSCF0575.jpg)
Some of my chilli plants, now I've pricked out from seed trays and now potted up (in anything I could find).
About another 20, plus a seed tray full of my collected seeds that are still sprouting, upstairs on bedroom window sill.
Think I may have gone overboard with the amount, but as a beginner to this, I wasn't sure how many would come through. ::) ;D
I'd still give it a go QF, just might get a late crop if all goes well.
Martin
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Some of my chilli plants, now I've pricked out from seed trays and now potted up (in anything I could find).
About another 20, plus a seed tray full of my collected seeds that are still sprouting, upstairs on bedroom window sill.
Think I may have gone overboard with the amount, but as a beginner to this, I wasn't sure how many would come through. ::) ;D
I'd still give it a go QF, just might get a late crop if all goes well.
Martin
Bloody hell i'm only growing three! :o
-
Some of mine are really struggling to get going this year only been a month mind but no sign especially the banana peppers and chocolate habaneros
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should really watch the foil board behind plants as it will transfer heat as well as light and may eventually burn plants.
maybe better with a white board as it will reflect the light but not the heat :)
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Thanks for the advice mr.m.
I'll definitely keep an eye on it, and if it seems a problem, if/when it gets hotter, I'll paint the other side white and use that.
Seems to be doing a good job at the moment though.
Martin
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Has anyone found growing Naga chillis (from seed) that they take aeon's to germinate?
I planted these very expensive seeds 25 days ago, and no sign of any anything at all, I prodded around with a cocktail stick, the seeds have done nothing! ::)
At the same time I planted Prairie Fire & Red Demon - all coming on fine. ;D
All seedlings on a south facing kitchen windowsill.
Is it too late to get some more and try again?
Cheesed off? Yes, putting it mildly :(
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Has anyone found growing Naga chillis (from seed) that they take aeon's to germinate?
I planted these very expensive seeds 25 days ago, and no sign of any anything at all, I prodded around with a cocktail stick, the seeds have done nothing! ::)
At the same time I planted Prairie Fire & Red Demon - all coming on fine. ;D
All seedlings on a south facing kitchen windowsill.
Is it too late to get some more and try again?
Cheesed off? Yes, putting it mildly :(
They should have come up by now, but from experience I wouldn't write them off just yet.
Nature is a fickle beast...
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They should have come up by now, but from experience I wouldn't write them off just yet.
Nature is a fickle beast...
Thanks SD! I will wait and not consign them to the compost just yet :) I will threaten them with my wand ;D
Fickle beast? B*tch!!!
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What temp are you keeping them at Terramamba?
From what I've read, most of those really hot chillis, like the Naga, need to be kept moist and at (constant) temps of at least 80 to 90 to germinate.
Martin
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Hi Martin, they're probably reaching 73 during day time, and dropping to approx 46 at night. I do pull them back from the windowsill in the evening. But I'm guessing here the airing cupboard may be more constant, although possibly not up to 80? They've been moist, but do you think they'll still germinate?
Thanks :)
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Hi Terramamba
First off I'm no expert, as I'm new to this chilli growing lark myself, but I have read up quite a bit on the net.
Not sure what type of Naga you have, but it seems most of the very hot chillis require similar care like this below.
'The Bhut Jolokia are extremely hard to grow and therefore not for the novice.
We want you to succeed, therefore please read how to get the best from your seeds very carefully and closely follow the cultivation advice.
Bhut Jolokia requires constant soil temperatures of between 75?F and 90?F for proper germination, optimally 80-85F. In the UK it is best to supply bottom heat with the aid of a propagation mat or propagator. The seed is unlikely to germinate without additional help in an average UK central heated house.
Soil based compost is best and should be fine and free-draining. It must be kept moderately moist, but never being allowed to completely dry out and never allowed to become soggy. If excess moisture is provided the embryo in the seed will rot and they will not germinate.
The Bhut Jolokia can take between 20-35 days to germinate depending on the temperature provided, patience is required. They also require a very long growing period, up to 160 days for full maturity
Sow from Feb onwards in the UK indoors with heat provided and lightly cover with vermiculite if possible to 1/4in depth.
Beware starting too early as the plants require good light levels as seedlings may become leggy.
The seed does not require light during germination; however, once the seeds have germinated you need to provide adequate light for the seedlings. A bright draft free south facing windowsill will suffice to maintain healthy growth.
Beware over-caring for young seedlings and over-watering. Allow the soil surface to dry and remove any excess water from trays to ensure roots do not rot.
If intending to move to a cooler conservatory or greenhouses in early summer gradually acclimatise the plants both to the higher light levels and temperatures.
Please note this variety is not suited to outdoor cultivation in the UK at any stage and will not appreciate unheated glasshouses in early spring until the weather warms.'
Yours may still germinate, so I personally would stick them in the airing cupboard (that's what I did with all mine) until they start to germinate, and then straight away put them onto the windowsill.
Hope that is some help.
Martin
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Hope that is some help.
Martin
Hi Martin!
Thanks, big help, airing cupboard it is. It all seems very complicated. Shame the seed packet gave no precise instruction. Your advice looks impressive, and I'll be following it!
Many thanks.
Colette :)
PS yes bhut jolokia is the type I'm hoping to grow!
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Hi Colette
Glad to have been some help. :)
Another thing you can do is loosely cover your pot/tray with some clear plastic as this helps keeps the moisture in.
I found the surface (where the seeds pretty much are) dried quite quickly otherwise in my airing cupboard.
Make sure they aren't too wet though. ;)
Martin
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Hi All,
I planted my Chilli Seeds the 2nd week of February, and they are just beginning to break through the surface now (some 6 weeks later), so if you are thinking it's a waste of time, do give them longer.
I've planted, green finger chillies (hot), Green chillies (Medium), Jalapeno's and Green capsicum. I just put my seeds straight into trays of general purpose compost as always, after having dried them out and left them in a cold frame.
Just went into my larder and I forgot I had a pot with a whole bulb of garlic in and as the lid was on, every single clove of garlic has sprouted. I'm going to pot these this afternoon :)
-
My first time at trying to grow chillies from seed. Sowed a fair number of seeds collected from the bottom of two different bags of kashmiri type chillies, bought at my local Asian Grocers. They've been under an unheated propagator in the conservatory for the last three weeks, and to my surprise nearly all of them have sprouted.
The early sprouters are now on a tray in the open air, and are just starting to develop proper leaves, so will pot them on into individual pots in the next few days. All good so far, no idea of the actual type, and I assume thay came from Asia, so hoping they will do OK in the conservatory.
Going to check on my babies now ;D
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my plants...growing nicely :)
(http://www.curry-recipes.co.uk/imagehost/pics/877af23ffe5f0db6246f66eb1cd3fcab.JPG) (http://www.curry-recipes.co.uk/imagehost/#877af23ffe5f0db6246f66eb1cd3fcab.JPG)
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I've got 2 leaves on my Jalapeno's, 1st time growing chillies. Where are you keeping those pots mrmojorising? I
ELW
-
ELW
keeping half the pots on my living room windowsill
the other half on a bedroom windowsill
been taking them outside for a couple of hours every day to harden them up
bring them in at night in case it gets too cold :)
-
Thanks mrmjr, I'm going to do the same, still pretty cold here
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Hi guys and gals, bit of advice needed if possible.
Some of my plants (the Fresnos), at only about 5" tall, and still in small pots, have started to form flower buds at the top already.
Should I pinch the buds off, to encourage more growth (roots branches etc.) at this early stage? :-\
Cheers
Martin
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I find that with Chillies the plants seem to give their all and end up quite scraggy and exhausted looking, then bush up again for the next flush of fruit. Personally I'd pinch out early flowers and keep them fed, watered and keep them growing on till maybe July before fruiting. My two bobs worth.
Just processed the second crop from my no-name hot as hell chillies :)
(http://i678.photobucket.com/albums/vv144/BribieG/chilli1Medium.jpg)
(http://i678.photobucket.com/albums/vv144/BribieG/chilli2Medium.jpg)
(http://i678.photobucket.com/albums/vv144/BribieG/chilli3Medium.jpg)
(http://i678.photobucket.com/albums/vv144/BribieG/chilli4Medium.jpg)
(http://i678.photobucket.com/albums/vv144/BribieG/chilli5Medium.jpg)
I do the dehydrating in the bathroom with the window open otherwise the house becomes uninhabitable ;D
I now have enough chilli to keep West Bengal running for at least 40 seconds, two of those in a single serve is more than adequate, I'll just have to man up and increase my tolerance / consumption.
Oh the humanity.
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Thanks BB
I'd already pinched them out on half of them, so will probably do the rest later.
Martin
-
My seeds have really struggled upto now saying that the weather is terrible just potted some that have got going.
-
REEEEESULT :)
got 9 plants growing finely in my mini greenhouse.
all are budding furiously :)
one or two have flowers :)
if the opporchancity arises, I'll take some pics
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quick question...
can I keep my plants outside in the rain...or will they get waterlogged and die.
I did a small experiment last week whereby I put 2 of my plants out in the elements and nothing bad appears to
have happened but the weather here is to take a turn for the worse with the forecast for rain rain rain and i don't want to lose them all.
ps - I have a mini greenhouse where I am keeping them at the moment but I need this for something else.
many thanks in advance
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If the soil in the pot becomes too wet or water logged they will die (they will quickly start to rot at the roots). The first sign of this is the leaves start to wilt (looks same as underwatering). Chili plants like little but often watering approach.
Aphids and whitefly attacks are another problem that you're likely to get more of if plants are left outside.
-
SnS.... thanks for the reply
thought it might be bad after looking up my friend google but there wasn't really much definite info there.
gonna get myself another mini greenhouse tomorrow for my chillis
cheers :)
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Some useful points here about watering ...
http://www.southdevonchillifarm.co.uk/forum/9-growing-chillies/486-over-watering (http://www.southdevonchillifarm.co.uk/forum/9-growing-chillies/486-over-watering)
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I sewed the seeds back on the 2nd week of February and due to all the cold weather and rain, my chilies were not doing at all well.
However, having bought them into the conservatory just over a week ago, they now seem to be flourishing and I am hoping it's not too late to get fruit from them this year...
A mixture of finger & jalapeno's...
(http://www.curry-recipes.co.uk/imagehost/pics/f75f6b6588dd287758e9d48f17fb09f3.jpg) (http://www.curry-recipes.co.uk/imagehost/#f75f6b6588dd287758e9d48f17fb09f3.jpg)
(http://www.curry-recipes.co.uk/imagehost/pics/2ea1f58ad7cb1fc8cc6911775e94c6ec.jpg) (http://www.curry-recipes.co.uk/imagehost/#2ea1f58ad7cb1fc8cc6911775e94c6ec.jpg)
(http://www.curry-recipes.co.uk/imagehost/pics/59449adbd3f8ab971ab99b22bca0837f.jpg) (http://www.curry-recipes.co.uk/imagehost/#59449adbd3f8ab971ab99b22bca0837f.jpg)
(http://www.curry-recipes.co.uk/imagehost/pics/59449adbd3f8ab971ab99b22bca0837f.jpg) (http://www.curry-recipes.co.uk/imagehost/#59449adbd3f8ab971ab99b22bca0837f.jpg)
(http://www.curry-recipes.co.uk/imagehost/pics/bfd3045a0d5f9c82a30c11825908fd8f.jpg) (http://www.curry-recipes.co.uk/imagehost/#bfd3045a0d5f9c82a30c11825908fd8f.jpg)
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The sky here is usually so overcast nowadays that my outdoor chillies rarely blossom, never mind fruit, but the indoor plants never let me down and always give me a reasonable crop. I keep them on 3 different windowsills. Here's some which are currently on their 3rd summer in the back guest bedroom. They're coming along quite nicely, despite my infrequent watering visits! They are all Mexican varieties of varying heat, although the precise types will forever remain a mystery since my grandson removed the ID tags! :)
(http://www.curry-recipes.co.uk/imagehost/pics/20f252af9d2a7002bacd2e294dd1072d.jpg) (http://www.curry-recipes.co.uk/imagehost/#20f252af9d2a7002bacd2e294dd1072d.jpg)
(http://www.curry-recipes.co.uk/imagehost/pics/08fcf866e61a9f0aa5620da89a66921a.jpg) (http://www.curry-recipes.co.uk/imagehost/#08fcf866e61a9f0aa5620da89a66921a.jpg)
(http://www.curry-recipes.co.uk/imagehost/pics/06a3646b4d6c801db689d9a9c4fea326.jpg) (http://www.curry-recipes.co.uk/imagehost/#06a3646b4d6c801db689d9a9c4fea326.jpg)
(http://www.curry-recipes.co.uk/imagehost/pics/87f7bae366c374b1a0d838f4e57fc662.jpg) (http://www.curry-recipes.co.uk/imagehost/#87f7bae366c374b1a0d838f4e57fc662.jpg)
(http://www.curry-recipes.co.uk/imagehost/pics/9c8f799f570cbf9bb416d582581f43b5.jpg) (http://www.curry-recipes.co.uk/imagehost/#9c8f799f570cbf9bb416d582581f43b5.jpg)
(http://www.curry-recipes.co.uk/imagehost/pics/d222c47c9f1012c8f07b4a0713af247b.jpg) (http://www.curry-recipes.co.uk/imagehost/#d222c47c9f1012c8f07b4a0713af247b.jpg)
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Looking Good Mr Naga!! :)
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Anyone growing the Trinidad Scorpion Moruga (Morouga) Blend this year?
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Anyone growing the Trinidad Scorpion Moruga (Morouga) Blend this year?
Oh yeah! 1.5 million scovilles of heat! The first flowers came through at the weekend which I lovingly pollinated. I'm waiting with bated breath now to see if they fruit.
If I get enough come through I'm going to try and convince Az to run a Trinidad Scorpion Challenge special curry over the summer. Maybe get some T-shirts printed or a Wall of Fame in true Man vs Food style :)
I imagine a certain Curryhell wouldn't be able to resist such a challenge!
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Anyone growing the Trinidad Scorpion Moruga (Morouga) Blend this year?
Oh yeah! 1.5 million scovilles of heat! The first flowers came through at the weekend which I lovingly pollinated. I'm waiting with bated breath now to see if they fruit.
If I get enough come through I'm going to try and convince Az to run a Trinidad Scorpion Challenge special curry over the summer. Maybe get some T-shirts printed or a Wall of Fame in true Man vs Food style :)
I imagine a certain Curryhell wouldn't be able to resist such a challenge!
Whatever makes you say that Chris? ::) Of course i'd be well up for the challenge ;D
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I'll start freezing the toilet rolls.... ;D
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Worth watching before trying it yourself :P
Trinidad Scorpion Morouga Blend - New World's Hottest Chilli. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5BfxlTwcLjI#)
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The best (or worst!) of it is that he'll be able to enjoy the sensation over again when it comes out the other end! ::)
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Worth watching before trying it yourself :P
Trinidad Scorpion Morouga Blend - New World's Hottest Chilli. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5BfxlTwcLjI#)
Sheesh!
Now I like my hot chillies, but after watching that I reckon I'll be sticking to my beloved nagas. Key moment in that clip is when he says that, "taste wise, it isn't great".
What's the point of producing something that hot when it tastes crap?
Is the kudos of 'world's hottest' (until next month, anyway) worth it over 'world's best taste'? (Which for me, is the naga.)
Still, I wish all you Trinidad Scorpion Moruga (Morouga) warriors out there the very best of luck!
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Only got one plant left now from the original 5x I bought 3 years ago from newspaper ad. Lost one 1st summer to overwatering auto sprinkler when i was on holiday. Lost 2 more over the next winter - just died off in conservatory. Lost one last winter again in conservatory over winter - it tried to leaf - but kept dying back. Last one I have had outside for a while - but chillies going black which i put down to too much rain - so it's gone back intot he conservatory. Looks like plenty of chillis / flowers - and they are reasonably hot. Best result from my various crops have been achieved by drying in oven at 60?C for @ 5 hours. 3x sprinkled crushed into a curry gives it a good enough kick to be just on the hot side of madras strength - just fine for me
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That guy is an idiot. I once ate a small sliver of Dorset Naga on its own and I swear it was hotter than a Ginsters Cornish Pastie straight from the microwave!
Good news for me though - my first Scorpion fruit has poked it's head through. Will post some pics when it starts to look like a chilli.
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Got about a dozen plants on the go been terrible this year just dying off with the crap weather some are starting to flower now but this time last year i had loads
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Hi Chilli Growers
I've just been given a Bangladeshi Black Chilli plant and I haven't got a clue!!!
He said It's not doing very well, because of the weather, as it should be producing by now.
It looks a fairly strong plant, but any advice would be much appreciated.
(http://www.curry-recipes.co.uk/imagehost/pics/a4c0773d83aefb82e76a4f884c570ee4.jpg) (http://www.curry-recipes.co.uk/imagehost/#a4c0773d83aefb82e76a4f884c570ee4.jpg)
(http://www.curry-recipes.co.uk/imagehost/pics/a86810673f94b09f1c3ce881b2fb7107.jpg) (http://www.curry-recipes.co.uk/imagehost/#a86810673f94b09f1c3ce881b2fb7107.jpg)
cheers Chewy
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Chewy try to pollinate flowers by dabbing a soft paint brush or cotton bud over every flower, this will help for indoor plants and should still produce fruit this year. atb
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It's a bit difficult to tell from the photos, but the plant looks a bit leggy with some dead blossoms.
I would start by encouraging better bushy growth by pinching out the growing tips and the dead flower heads. That will allow the plant to get more vigour into the right places.
I would also look at the size of the pot and the quality of the compost in the pot. It looks like a good, strong plant so that might not be a problem at all, but it wouldn't do any harm to gently prise the plant from it's pot without disturbing the roots and re-potting it in a larger pot with fresh compost surrounding the old stuff.
Finally, I would ensure that it is watered every day and fed with a weak tomato feed.
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Thanks for the replies.Took some better pics.
Not sure if this has been grown inside or outside, my first thoughts were to
plant it out in the garden with the Dahlias, then there's a spare room in this big old house, which
gets all the sun from midday and fades anything near the window very quickly.
So would probably be a good spot.
Naga, Bought some Wilko tomato feed today, the pot is quite large and the compost
is good and looks straight from a bag this year. I'll deadhead it, but my question is should
it be outside or indoors.
Thanks Chewy
(http://www.curry-recipes.co.uk/imagehost/pics/a825af38118609722d7c0c0bb84ba0be.jpg) (http://www.curry-recipes.co.uk/imagehost/#a825af38118609722d7c0c0bb84ba0be.jpg)
(http://www.curry-recipes.co.uk/imagehost/pics/d8b58bb5d762ee93cd5aa769d9cf52ff.jpg) (http://www.curry-recipes.co.uk/imagehost/#d8b58bb5d762ee93cd5aa769d9cf52ff.jpg)
(http://www.curry-recipes.co.uk/imagehost/pics/fb3dc20fd732259f8cd5bfca34b57f44.jpg) (http://www.curry-recipes.co.uk/imagehost/#fb3dc20fd732259f8cd5bfca34b57f44.jpg)
(http://www.curry-recipes.co.uk/imagehost/pics/1b8587838d586939dd666bed0d3ee866.jpg) (http://www.curry-recipes.co.uk/imagehost/#1b8587838d586939dd666bed0d3ee866.jpg)
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...the pot is quite large and the compost is good and looks straight from a bag this year. I'll deadhead it, but my question is should
it be outside or indoors...
Aye, the pot looks just fine - no need to do anything there lol! :)
As I said, it looks a nice healthy plant but it's certainly a bit leggy, so nipping off the dead buds and pinching out the non-flowering tips at the end of the branches will help bush it out, even at this late stage.
I can't give any useful advice about keeping it indoors or outdoors as you'll know best what kind of weather you're having. All I would say is that chillies need heat, light and water, and as long as you can give the plant plenty of light at this time of year, you might well get something from it.
But even if nothing much happens with it this year, when growth slows down for the winter you'll be able to cut the branches right back to the main stem and overwinter it. It'll be ready to burst into budding growth next year when the weather starts to brighten up.
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Just one thing I'd add Chewy, before you nip off the dead buds, check that they are not actually chillis forming.
Hard to tell from the photo, but that is how the flowers look when a chilli is starting to form. the actual petals brown/die off, and a chilli begins to form underneath.
Oh and if you've got a good spot indoors and out, and it is not too much trouble, why not move it in and out, depending on the weather
Martin.
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Thanks for the info guys, ;) it's already looking better and with a bit TLC
It should be OK, will keep you posted if I get any Chillis.
cheers Chewy
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I just had my first taste of these bad boys - Trinidad Scorpions! I ate a piece about 3mm x 3mm and my tongue was burning for a good 15 minutes. Interestingly they didn't have the pungent taste that the Dorset Naga had so I think these could be used sparingly in cooking without ruining the taste.
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-4P6nIuPCVlg/UCFAeomja6I/AAAAAAAABGE/LxdqhXxAtG8/s800/20120807_171830.jpg)
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Your plants are in fantastic condition - looks like you'll have a cracking harvest! :)
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Thanks, it's a shame we aren't getting any sun as they aren't really ripening.
I also have about 6 "Curry Chilli" plants and at first I thought they were terrible as they didn't have any heat at all. I left some for an extra couple of weeks then tried them again and wow - what a difference. They are like perfect green chillies. A good heat (something like a birds eye) but still green, not too pungent and a good size. I think I'll be growing them every year from now on.
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...I also have about 6 "Curry Chilli" plants and at first I thought they were terrible as they didn't have any heat at all. I left some for an extra couple of weeks then tried them again and wow - what a difference. They are like perfect green chillies...
Just goes to show that, as with anything, patience is the key to success.
Although my harvest is down this year, the chillies themselves look healthy enough and, with the return of the sun over the past couple of days, some of the greens are now slowly changing to yellows and reds.
Happy days! :)
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bad summer...good chillis..from sunny Glasgow :)
(http://www.curry-recipes.co.uk/imagehost/pics/dc1d5e42453f06cae240afb827fd0446.JPG) (http://www.curry-recipes.co.uk/imagehost/#dc1d5e42453f06cae240afb827fd0446.JPG)
(http://www.curry-recipes.co.uk/imagehost/pics/37c4e9dfeaac8fc589347db1c39ecff1.JPG) (http://www.curry-recipes.co.uk/imagehost/#37c4e9dfeaac8fc589347db1c39ecff1.JPG)
Cheers :)
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Blooming good crop, mr.mojorisin :)
Mine's have taken a second wind as described elsewhere in this section and I'm now looking forward to another decent and unexpected crop in the space of 2 months.
Weather is still weird, though. Just had a monster of a rain storm followed by (currently!) a lovely sunny spell with blue skies!
Just goes to show its true what they say about Scottish weather - wait 20 minutes befoe you decide what you're doing lol!
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thanks Naga.
first time growing from seed.
totally delighted but wish summer was better as there would be more fruit
gonna overwinter a couple of plants so I've got a head start for next year ;)
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I think next year I'm going to exclusively grow Birds Eye chillies. They are a nice heat and versatile. Az uses them in his takeaway for green chillies, or you can ripen them for chilli con carne e.t.c.
I just took another 10 or 12 ripe Trinidad Scorpions to Az, along with around 100+ curry chillies. I have another big bag of them in the freezer for personal consumption. The Scorpions are fun to try a sliver of but are pretty useless for cooking with. We might try making a chicken scorpion curry at the takeaway tomorrow to see how it tastes.
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Im growing some dorset naga's and having problems with flower drop, it seems that after watering I get flowers falling off everywhere also the buds, now I thought this was due to over watering so adjusted watering to a point they where getting to little and wilting, I have also aided pollination by rubbing flowers, no signs of chillis yet just dropping.
These were grown from seed but late season, plants look healthy, any ideas guy?
Thanks
Fishy
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I get flower drop too, but just occasionally - not in any serious way inasmuchas my plants are still healthy. blooming and fruiting.
I'm not an expert and can't offer any personal insight, but maybe this info (http://www.thechilliking.com/chilli-plant-flower-drop/) will give you some pointers. Good luck!
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Thanks Naga thats usefull info.
How long does it usally take for fruit to start to form after flowering has begun
Cheers
Fishy
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Well, my nagas, ripe Kashmiris, jalapenos, various finger chillies and larger, milder varieties have all been cropped and either frozen, consumed, or turned into pickles/sauces long ago, but here's the last of the summer crop, picked from the greenhouse this afternoon.
It never ceases to amaze me how long they go on for, but I don't think I've cropped them this late in the year before.
The green ones are the Kashmiris that didn't ripen to red, and the rest are various types of habanero (oh, and a rogue tomato!):
(http://www.curry-recipes.co.uk/imagehost/pics/b2f2da1f4a3c1cd8c1efe21038a4922c.jpg) (http://www.curry-recipes.co.uk/imagehost/#b2f2da1f4a3c1cd8c1efe21038a4922c.jpg)
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Lovely looking chillies, SD! Very healthy and delicious-looking fruits! I'd never have spotted that tomato if you hadn't mentioned it! :)
I still have loads in the freezer, but I'm working my way through them, especially since I started making my chilli jam - brilliant with cheese and oatcakes, and ideal for pepping up a chasni or Ceylon curry late in the cooking process.
Mine cropped late too, and, although the last harvest was in late November, I haven't yet cut the plants back and the leaves are still on the healthy side of green despite the lack of heat and light.
Roll on February 2013 so the next crop can get started! :)
PS: BTW, can I ask where you got your Kashmiri chilli seeds? I can't find any for sale online and I was thinking of buying some dried Kashmiri chillies to see if I could harvest the seeds and try growing them on.
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SD - do you save your seeds or do you buy from stock and if so where's a good supplier online?
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SD - do you save your seeds or do you buy from stock and if so where's a good supplier online?
I mainly save my seeds, but I also use seeds from chillies (fresh and dried) that I've bought - or occasionally 'borrowed'. (The wee orange habaneros came from a plant I came across at the Eden Project down in Cornwall.)
I know that using seeds from fresh/dried chillies rather than commercial seed stock is supposed to be a hit and miss way of doing it, but I must have been lucky as I've only had a few that haven't fruited over the last 30-odd years of growing.
PS: BTW, can I ask where you got your Kashmiri chilli seeds? I can't find any for sale online and I was thinking of buying some dried Kashmiri chillies to see if I could harvest the seeds and try growing them on.
The seeds came from a packet of dried Kashmiri chillies I bought from my local Asian store, Naga. I didn't hold out much hope for them as I started them late (end of May), and they took a few weeks to germinate, but I ended up with two beautiful plants that grew to a good 4ft.
They didn't produce a particularly high yield though. I only got 15-20 chillies from each plant, but they're pretty large, and what fantastic tasting fruits they are. When fully ripened they turn a really deep, dark red (hence the gorgeous colour of the chilli powder that comes from them), and have a deliciously sweet flavour.
I'll definitely be growing them again next year, but will try growing a few from commercial seed stock (if I can find any) and a few from dried chillies and see how they stack up against each other.
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...The seeds came from a packet of dried Kashmiri chillies I bought from my local Asian store...
Thanks, SD, I suspected as much as I've had no luck sourcing genuine fresh seeds. At least now you have your own supply of fresh seeds from the plants and, hopefully, you'll be able to grow new plants from seed next year. It'll be interesting to hear of your progress if that's what you're going to do.
In the meantime, I'll be a year behind you and I'll try to grow Kashmiri chillies from the dried fruits too.
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I'm just starting out in the Chilli growing from seeds but have grown plants before, when's the best time to plant seeds? I'll be growing them indoors
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I'm just starting out in the Chilli growing from seeds but have grown plants before, when's the best time to plant seeds? I'll be growing them indoors
Welcome to the forum Sainty62 have a read of this, it should help you.
http://www.sarahraven.com/how-to/growing-food/3/growing-chillies-seed (http://www.sarahraven.com/how-to/growing-food/3/growing-chillies-seed)
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I'm just starting out in the Chilli growing from seeds but have grown plants before, when's the best time to plant seeds? I'll be growing them indoors
Get them into a propagator now, mate! Nothing fancy needed - just a covered tray full of seed compost kept on a windowsill in a warm room. Prick the seedlings out to small pots once the seed leaves are fully developed and you'll be well on your way.
I sowed the seeds from 3 dried Kashmiri chillies on the 14th of this month and I've already got a number of small, inch-long seedlings showing. I love it when a plan comes together! :)
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I'm just starting out in the Chilli growing from seeds but have grown plants before, when's the best time to plant seeds? I'll be growing them indoors
Get them into a propagator now, mate! Nothing fancy needed - just a covered tray full of seed compost kept on a windowsill in a warm room. Prick the seedlings out to small pots once the seed leaves are fully developed and you'll be well on your way.
I sowed the seeds from 3 dried Kashmiri chillies on the 14th of this month and I've already got a number of small, inch-long seedlings showing. I love it when a plan comes together! :)
Well, that's my night sorted for tonight, got the seeds and compost the other day :D
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Can I ask if it makes any difference where you are in the UK - for example I'm in North East Scotland and I wonder if we should be planting a bit later than South England?
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Can I ask if it makes any difference where you are in the UK - for example I'm in North East Scotland and I wonder if we should be planting a bit later than South England?
Hi SL
I don't think it would do any harm, though the actual type of chilli can be taken into account. Habanero family chilli and tabasco seeds need to be planted now (or ideally at start of Jan) as they take longer to germinate and flower. Chillis seeds from plants such as padrons, cayennes can be planted a bit later - in Feb/early March.
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Hi Stephen. I've been growing chillies for around 10 years now and used to start sowing my seeds around March-time. The problem with that was that, with the low cloud base enjoyed (?!) here in the shadow of the Campsies, strong sunshine isn't always guaranteed. The short growing season (Mar-Sep) doesn't allow the hotter chillies such as Scotch Bonnets, Habaneros etc. to thrive long enough to provide a decent crop.
I've found, in recent years, that sowing indoors in mid-January gives the seedlings a better run at it and, with the growing season extending (for me anyway) into November over the past couple of years, allows for 3 or more good crops from the same plant. I start my seedlings off in a seed tray filled with John Innes seed compost and covered with a clear propagator cover. They are kept the windowsill of a warm, east-facing room and remain there, after potting up, throughout the season.
I can only speak for my own experience, of course, and sunnier parts of Scotland will undoubtedly fare better.
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my one remaining chilli plant has been put into a heated garden room / conservatory over the winter & has continued to grow / flower - I pollinated the flowers using a kiddies paint brush & they are showing signs of chillis forming!
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my one remaining chilli plant has been put into a heated garden room / conservatory over the winter & has continued to grow / flower - I pollinated the flowers using a kiddies paint brush & they are showing signs of chillis forming!
Nice one! Good luck with this year's crop! :)
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Well, here's the update. Planted the seeds in a trough on 24/01/2013, woke up on Monday morning to find shoots of about an inch high, 20 of them ;D, will separate them this weekend into other troughs.
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Well, here's the update. Planted the seeds in a trough on 24/01/2013, woke up on Monday morning to find shoots of about an inch high, 20 of them ;D, will separate them this weekend into other troughs.
Congrats. Dad! ;)
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Hey guys, great to see this thread still going strong! I should get this years seeds delivered today so will get them in the propagator soon.
I've opted for a basic cayenne chilli at about 50k SHU, it should go in most things and can be harvested red or green. Then I went for a Ring of Fire cayenne type chilli which is about 90k SHU and should be a good curry chilli when picked green.
Then to be a bit silly and keep the local Indians at the takeaway happy I'm going to try growing some Morouga Reds which I think are the current world record holders at 2,000,000 SHU. I grew some 1,500,000 Trinidad scorpions last season and they were uneatable even though when grown in non-ideal conditions the actual heat was probably half that. One lick of the inside and you'd think you had licked a halogen hob on full.
I also have some birds eye chillies from Sainsbury's. I might try drying out some of those seeds and growing them.
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Excellent news, Sainty! I've had some Kashmiri chilli seedlings on the go since mid-January too. A bit weedy so far, but past the seed leaves stage so happy days. :)
...One lick of the inside and you'd think you had licked a halogen hob on full...
Very good description, Chris - I can just imagine that! I DO like the Cayennes - very versatile, and you'll definitely get some plants from those supermarket chillis. I grew some butternut squash plants successfully last season and that was from a squash that was destined for soup.
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I've got a surplus of long skinny Thai type chillies, and with winter coming on hereabouts (it does actually get a bit chilly ;D in New South Wales) I want to preserve them green - have plenty of dried red to last me but the main reason I grow chillies is to pick them green - would I be best to just put them in jam jars and fill them with olive oil, or does that lead to a risk of botulism?
I also thought I might whizz up a green chilli paste and freeze in ice blocks - any other extras like salt or oil? If they are anything like GGP in the blender they'd maybe need a bit of "lubrication" to get them to blend to a slurry.???
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Hi beach
Trim off the stem or wash in hot water. Then place in oil and heat the pan then place into clean jars.Use the oil in salad dressing ;)
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Started mine last week
Bulgarian Carrot chilli
Cayenne Red chilli
Habanero Mustard chilli
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Same here timeless , I put mine into their pots last Saturday .. I've got :
Trinidad Sunrise Scorpion
Naga Morich
Trinidad 7 Pot Barrackapore
Watching the pots every day but nothing yet .. they'll take time me thinks :)
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overwintered 3 plants from last year :)
also gave another to my neighbour to look after coz i didnt have the room
he's not really into chillis so that will be boomeranging its way right back to me soon
that makes 4 strong plants...straight into the business end
no messing with seedlings for me this year
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Do you prune over wintered plants or pot them on ?
I have four & they look pretty manky to be honest. I don't know if they'll recover.
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I have one plant left from 5 I started with and find for overwintering - you have to have them in a warmish environment. Not pruned at all - repot in early summer & keep watering with phosphate type food in water all year. It even flowered in the warm heated garden room this winter & I pollinated with a kiddies paintbrush with the absence of any insect life about - chillies forming too after this pollination
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http://www.tradeindia.com/Seller-2160683-Naga-Fragrance-Pvt-Ltd-/ (http://www.tradeindia.com/Seller-2160683-Naga-Fragrance-Pvt-Ltd-/)
Might be worth an enquiry for a Nagaland sample?
Frank. ;)
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Here's a couple of nice vids showing a lot of chilli varieties and very healthy looking plants.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mLhaTNEvP-M (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mLhaTNEvP-M)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4wbbZLTNboE (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4wbbZLTNboE)
Cheers, Frank. :)
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Kernow Chilli Farm - never knew that was right on my door step!!!!
Happy Days
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Hi I am also growing chillis,
A few of you say that you are using your chillis straight from the freezer. How long will they last for in the freezer and is there a right time to freeze them?
Thanks
Sam
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Currently live on BBC radio4 8)
http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b01rv39b (http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b01rv39b)
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Dr. Burnorium
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Hi I am also growing chillis,
A few of you say that you are using your chillis straight from the freezer. How long will they last for in the freezer and is there a right time to freeze them?
Thanks
Sam
Like garden peas or any fresh veg/fruit, the best time to freeze chillis is as soon as you've picked them (or soon after).
As for how long you can keep them in the freezer, well, as long as your freezer keeps food at the right temperature (-18
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I posted an interesting article about freezing chillies a while back using dry ice.
Not so easy to buy in small amounts over here as it is in the States. :(
The minimum amount to buy i could find was 10kg at roughly
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If anybody on here's struggling with growing chilli's, ie loads of flower drops, poor fruiting etc, last year I googled best type of chilli to grow fairly easily in the British climate. I settled on a medium hot chilli known as an F1 apache. I only planted 4 seeds of which 3 have grown, and really well at that. These are permanently situated on the kitchen window sill, watered most days, and once a week with diluted tomato feed. Definitely the best results I've had in about 8 yrs of trying!!
Pic below
Wayne
(http://www.curry-recipes.co.uk/imagehost/pics/4783bed510960f0c46f7415e8fc1cba1.jpg)
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At last! A flower. Just the one. Don't reckon I'll be getting much of a crop this year! Reading up a bit on here I should have cut the plants back as they were growing. My stems turned out long and straggly. Think I put them outside too early as well. That's down to the missus. Will try again next year.
(http://www.curry-recipes.co.uk/imagehost/pics/99e2607708aa80fcc4ee9521e6220b45.jpg)
Rob :)
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Dorset naga much better than last year due to using larger pots and keeping outdoors in the good sunshine, I have three plants and the one in the largest pot is doing by far the best, should get 50+ fruits hopefully. gunna be lovely in my vindi's
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Dorset naga
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I haven't gone mad on the chilli growing this year as I'm still working my way through a freezer full of last year's harvest, but thought I'd have a bit of a rave about the amazing air pots I've been using, which really do produce some fantastic results (see: http://www.airpotgarden.com/ (http://www.airpotgarden.com/) for more on how they work).
Pictured below is the biggest jalapeno plant I've ever grown (currently 5' 9" tall), plus some out of focus diablo peppers. The air pots are a bit pricey (though you can get some good deals on the net), but resusable and well worth it for the results. I'll definitely be getting some more for next year.
(http://www.curry-recipes.co.uk/imagehost/pics/4f4d30369d20cc56599902815b984524.jpg) (http://www.curry-recipes.co.uk/imagehost/#4f4d30369d20cc56599902815b984524.jpg)
(http://www.curry-recipes.co.uk/imagehost/pics/ebd77be96598f2e0685549d7a3007978.jpg) (http://www.curry-recipes.co.uk/imagehost/#ebd77be96598f2e0685549d7a3007978.jpg)
(http://www.curry-recipes.co.uk/imagehost/pics/e50848ee5c4a701cf035353a3e839492.jpg) (http://www.curry-recipes.co.uk/imagehost/#e50848ee5c4a701cf035353a3e839492.jpg)
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I have about 2 dozen chilli plants including cayenne, trinidad scorpion and jalapeno and as this is my first year growing I want to overwinter but not sure what I need to do this. Any help is greatly appreciated. Attached is a photo of some of them trying to grow during our short summer.
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I have about 2 dozen chilli plants including cayenne, trinidad scorpion and jalapeno and as this is my first year growing I want to overwinter but not sure what I need to do this. Any help is greatly appreciated. Attached is a photo of some of them trying to grow during our short summer.
Hi! We had a 100 per cent success rate with Dorset Nagas and Prairie Fire plants this year, simply bought inside, watered less, cut back, similar to a rose bush to increase growth. The best crop of nagas ever this year! Also the chillies seemed hotter, and they flowered and fruited much earlier, this summers sunshine certainly helped too! On an earlier page in this thread 'Fishy' posted some photos.
I suggest trying to overwinter your chillies, what have you got to lose? :)
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Terramamba many thanks. Do I need to take a lot of height of them? My jalapenos are about five feet tall so I was thinking of taking at least half of that and all the side stems off. Hope this is right.
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Wow, five feet! What size pots are they in? Yes about half is what we took off, they did not look pretty over the winter! Good luck :)
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They are in 10" pots and watered when really dry and fed once a week. They have stopped growing now. I hope that after cutting well back they will all grow again next year. I guess I need to keep them inside over the winter. That will be annoying for the wife ;D
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Wow, five feet! What size pots are they in? Yes about half is what we took off, they did not look pretty over the winter! Good luck :)
For what it's worth the best results I've ever had with chillies (or anything else, for that matter), is with these pots: http://www.airpotgarden.com/ (http://www.airpotgarden.com/)
Currently still cropping from a (now 6ft tall) jalapeno that's in a 20" Airpot.
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I've had quite a good year growing chillies
Some of what I thought were simple green chillies, turned red on me
None of this lot were too hot, you could eat in a sandwich
But the ones my lad grew (variety called Filius Blue) may look like M&M's, but are very hot
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these are the other ones
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My chillis have been very poor, but they were borderline dead when I got back off my hols (toptip-do not leave 20 year step-daughter the complicated task of watering a plant during the hottest 10 days of the year) and needed mouth to mouth to resuscitate them. And earlier on in the year they had an Aphid infestation!!
The only plant to actually produce any fruit worth while so far is the Bishops Crown, the Habanero, Kashmiri and basket chilli havent really taken off.
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My chillis have been very poor, but they were borderline dead when I got back off my hols
what a shame
Make next year the best ever!
I want to try some of these giant chillie plants
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First year of really trying, I have bought plants before, but this year from seed. To be fair we havent had enough sunshine in Hull, who says its never dull in Hull ;)
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I have many different varieties planted, just to see what would happen.
The only plants from which I've actually got fruit are Apaches. Some of the other plants are otherwise much more developed, they've even been in flower, just no chillies.
Going to try and overwinter some and start the survivors early next season under grow lights.
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35 lovely cayenne peppers freshly picked approximately 23.00 gmt 07.11.14.
most of them are about 3 inches long - that's 75mm to you metric people.
unusual for this time of the year for plants still to be producing fruit methinks...
still have loads more flowers on plant. picked these off to give it more energy..
(http://www.curry-recipes.co.uk/imagehost/pics/0a3f71560862a8850570466a7b0fb545.JPG) (http://www.curry-recipes.co.uk/imagehost/#0a3f71560862a8850570466a7b0fb545.JPG)
(http://www.curry-recipes.co.uk/imagehost/pics/251683455a600a4f87097b021c4dbf96.JPG) (http://www.curry-recipes.co.uk/imagehost/#251683455a600a4f87097b021c4dbf96.JPG)
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Now they'd not be wasted in a good vindaloo Mr M :P
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right now i'm having cheese on toast with some freshly ground pepper, worcestershire sauce and 2 finely diced cayenne peppers....mmmmm
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Strange weather this year. I have a cayenne that just started reflowering. I brought it inside about a month ago.
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Sadly, I lost my last chillie plant last winter - gave me 5 good years though - don't know if that is normal or not.
It was one of 5 different chillie plants I bought off a newspaper offer (Telegraph) - but the only one that survived after the 1st year. My meddling wife mixed up the labels when I was re-potting them, so I don't know the name of my last survivor - it gave me small size 10mm to 20mm length red chilles - which have a nice little kick to them.
Did anyone else buy this 5 plant set from the newspaper offer @ 5 / 6 years ago and know the names of the chilli plants? Maybe I could idnetify what I have from that if anyone still has the details?
Mainly, i oven dried them at 60 deg C for 6 hours - but some I froze.
My thoughts are I would like to try and grow my survivor chillie from the frozen seed I have .
Anyone have any ideas on whether this would be successful?
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Ghoulie
Why not buy some seeds from the" net "and choose the variety you want or garden centre
That way you know what you got
Avoid the F1s So as you can save seeds
I have some Tree chilli plants 25 years and still going providing me with bucket loads ;D
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Why not buy some seeds from the" net "
Just be careful where you get them from, a lot of them are not what they say they are, especially on ebay for the superhots - naga, reaper, scorpion etc
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Tried growing from my defrosted chillies - no go - not taken at all. Must have been hybrids / F1 type.
Ordered what looks like similar size from web as a plant - called Apache.