Which chilli?

[Ethansmum]

I'm wanting to give these a go, but I'm a novice seed grower. Are they difficult? Which types would you reccommend please? And where can I get them from, I noticed some on ebay but they weren't cheap

Thank you!
Tracy

[shirlthegirl43]

How hot do you want to go is the first question really. I have some home-saved seed from last year, it is cayenne but possibly crossed with Big Jim and/or Bolivian Rainbow. I know the seed is viable so if you want some to give it a go, pm your address.

[Ethansmum]

Oh I'm not fussy, I like hot or mild chillis - just as long as it isn't too fussy and relatively easy to grow.

Thank you very much for your offer, I'll definately pm you

[shirlthegirl43]

They are pretty easy, much like tomatoes, sow them, pot them on when the roots show at the bottom of the pot. I feed mine when I feed the tomatoes. The cayenne got to be quite a tall plant which I overwintered one year in the house and had super crops from last year. It died over last winter though.

[Cutecumber]

You do need a warm spot for chillis. They are less happy to be outside than tomatoes, though if you can provide them with a nice sunny sheltered patio they will be fine.

Try and get some going asap as they tend to start off quite slowly, taking a long time to get to harvest. Germination can take a while so don't be put off - try starting them off indoors or wherever it's warmest, and be patient.

[Ethansmum]

I was thinking about keeping it in the kitchen, but (don't laugh as I've never grown veggies before) I was worried about pollenation problems.

[bluemoon]

Hi, Ethansmum. I too have some spare seed if you'd like it. One is Fatalii (seriously hot) and one is a bog-standard cayenne.

[Cutecumber]

Ethansmum - don't worry about pollination. Chillis, aubergines and tomatoes can pollinate themselves. Insects can take part, but it is not essential. Both necessary reproductive parts are contained within each flower - all that has to happen is for the pollen to be moved around a bit. Gently shaking plants can help this process.

More important is that you give the chilli enough light and warmth.

[Ethansmum]

Okay Super! I can't stop thinking about all the lovely chilli recipes I'm going to cook LOL! Thank you all for your advice- I'm keeping a warm windowsill free especially for my 'babies'.

Thanks Blue Moon, I'll be pm'ing you soon

[sewer rat]

Hi Ethansmum
If you are thinking about growing your chilli plant or plants in the kitchen, then a dwarf variety would suit you well - last year I grew Apache and Cheyenne - both hot - very successfully ( maybe too successfully -still have kilos of chillies in the freezer) in 5 litre pots in my tunnel - they reach about 18" to 2' high and form quite compact bushes, dripping with chillies.