Well, it's November and that's normally the end of growing for most of us. But, I've definitely got a strange situation here. I planted cherry bomb very late, in June, and it's still flowering and still fruiting.
And my apache is still fruiting too.
So this lead me to wonder, what exactly does happen if you plant chilli seeds totally out of season? Do they grow at all? Do they grow well?
Of course, I'm growing indoors in what you'd call a "warm centrally heated house" behind double glazing and I do have the option of grow lights although I'd rather not spend the money on electricity.
The curiosity alone is making me do this, and a google search didn't bring up anything, so it's got to be tried.
More later.
Friday 8 November 2013
Choosing Chilli Seeds For Next Year
After a pretty decent result in 2013 (broad mites notwithstanding), I'm already raring to go with my plans to grow in 2014.
I've decided to go "seed only" next year. I believe that the broad mite infestation was caused by a seedling bought from a diy store, so next year I am not taking any risks.
Seeds have been bought from nicky's nursery. I bought the cherry bomb and some other seeds there last year and was very pleased with the service and germination rates, and their range is massive. Seeds arrived in 1 working day, excellent.
I plan to start some germination in December as I grow indoors and since the house is constantly occupied and rarely below 16c!
So here's what I've bought to grow.
1. Cherry bomb.
This is the only chilli from last year that I'm going to grow again directly from seed the same as last year. I like cherry bomb for the novelty and the plants are compact and had a near 100 percent germination rate. Oh, they taste good too. Pretty hot for a small round chilli.
2. Bhut jolokia 'ghost'
I just fancy my chances at one of the hottest chillis around. I'm not a big fan of "lets grow the really hot ones and youtube ourselves eating it whole" but I do feel a need to have a go with this.
3. (Thai) Super Chilli
I got an unknown fully grown plant from Waitrose last year which was either Super Chilli or very similar. It grew, and grew, and the yields were insane. Probably had a hundred chillis off it, and they were super hot and super fragrant. So, this year I'm having a go from seed.
4. Peter Pepper
Just....Google...it. :)
5. Habanero "Magnum Orange"
I bought a habanero plant last year from a diy garden centre. It got to flowering then the mites took it. I was gutted - As a big fan of Tabasco Habanero sauce I really wanted to try the chillis.
6. Numex Pinata
Well, actually this was a freebie, not sure why, I think it was buy x seeds get 1 free. I had limited success getting these to germinate last year, so, meh. It's a decorative multicoloured smaller plant. If it grows this time, great. If not, I won't be bothered.
7. Monkey Face
Something hotter than usual and, well, looks like a monkey face. What's not to like?
8. Sweet Pepper Bellina
I really wanted to grow bell peppers but I seriously don't have the room. This is supposedly a small plant but gives smaller but well formed bell peppers. Got to be worth a go!
9. Apache
I bought an apache pepper last year from a random florist in a train station. Apache peppers are really nice, and the yield is good. It's another one that's still giving me peppers well into November. I thoroughly recommend them, so I'll be growing this. I suspect my current plant will overwinter just fine too!
10. Cajun Belle
Miniature bell peppers with a little heat but not much. Allegedly, they're exactly the same shape as a bell pepper but just 3 inches long.
11. Tabasco
Well...I just want to see how much like the sauce it tastes. That is all.
12. Antillais Caribbean
I like the flavour of the scotch bonnet (which is very unique, if you haven't tried it) but I found them to be quite a pain to get a decent yield, and scotch bonnet is "in" at the moment so you can pick them up just about any supermarket! So, I'll try these instead this year. Apparently they're "very aromatic". We'll see
That's it. Wish me luck, of course, you can expect to see reports on these throughout the year. I hope they don't ALL succeed as I seriously don't have the space. Well, perhaps a greenhouse is on the Xmas list ;o)
Any comments, or have you tried growing any of the above? Any tips for me? Please comment below!
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