Scotch Bonnet - when to harvest??

[Cummings]

Hi

this may sound stupid, but when are my scotch bonet chillies ready to harvest?? I've never seen one I dont think - so I dont know!! How big do they get?

I've got a plant which must have around 30 fruits on it, but all green at the mo. The biggest ones are around the size of the end of my thumb, and Ive got plenty more flowers coming through.

Any advice would be appreciated!!

[jacob]

Well, they'll be ripe when they go the appropriate colour (probably red, could yellow or orange). They sound about the right size, so with 30 odd set, you might experiment with one now.

(Jealous, my scotch bonnets slowed right up since the weather turned rubbish and have single figure pin-prick size chilis. That said, I've a good crop on some other types).

[Cummings]

Cheers Jacob. The SB's are miles in fron of the others. Ive got a few flowers on my jalepino's and lemon drops, but the SB plant has gone mad - it was kept indoors for some time until the mrs got fed up with it!!

[chilliking]

as jacob says the final 'ripe' colour will depend on the variety - however there's a fair chance this'll be red.

if you're desperate they are safe to eat when green though you may not get the best flavor and the heat levels can sometimes be a little off.

[Florence Fennel]

I've got a precious one and only Scotch Bonnet, kindly donated to me by Bren In Pots. There are flowers on it, but no fruit yet. I've never grown one before, so it was interesting to read this thread, thank you.

[Cummings]

On closer inspection, the larger ones are a darker green than the others. I think I'll give it a while before I tuck in. I can't believe how many fruits are on it though, its amazing.

[Welsh John]

I wouldn't mind seeing a picture of the scotch bonnet! I have been growing a lot of chilis this year, with mixed success. I would hazard a guess that yours will turn red. Is it from seed or was it bought as a plant? My store bought ones turned red! My habenero, a very similar chili have turned orange/yellow already!

[WrexTheDragon]

I leave mine as late as possible, normally October and freeze surplus for use in the next year.

[kizkiz]

I had one from a very small plant this year. It's grown really well and has lots of small fruit and plenty more flowers coming.

[Cummings]

This is mine. Cant get the best angle to do it justice though, with the sun etc

[Wendie]

hi

Mine are like yours, so far anyway. My friend bought it me from Tesco in May and has grown lots and got loads of flowers and chillies on now. They don't grow very big do they? But I think that you need to let them get reddish to get the best strength out of them.

Wendy

[Cummings]

Quick update

Looked this mirning and one has turned orangy red!! Patience does pay off

Although I thought they might be a bit bigger..

[chillie lover]

hi grew thease in doors but thier yellow are they ripe

[smallblueplanet]

Lots of different types of scotch bonnet, they look great and ready to pick. If we have too many ripe chillies then we just freeze them whole - they last ages like that.

[chillie lover]

hey thanks for reply ive about 6 plants like that yummy first bite second bite