How to Grow Your Own Chillies

Hot peppers can range from immature green or purple to yellow, orange, and red, and with their fiery flavor, they have many culinary uses, ranging from stews and stir-fries to jellies and sauces. As members of the pepper family, they are believed to predate the larger, sweeter peppers and have been cultivated for more than 9,000 years. There are over 3,500 varieties to choose from, but remember: chili peppers are native to Central and South America, so you need to grow them in warm, sunny conditions.

HOW TO GROW PEPPERS

Chili peppers are best grown in pots. Sow March seeds in seed soil and store in a greenhouse, deck, or on a window sill in full sun. They need temperatures of 23-25 ​​° C to germinate.

Chop when the seedlings have several leaves, then feed with a weak algae fertilizer. Pot a month later and pinch the plants 15-20 cm to stimulate branching.

Outside, hold the pots against a south-facing wall or on a sheltered deck; bring it indoors in cool or rainy weather as chili peppers cannot tolerate low temperatures.

Be aware that chili peppers are susceptible to slugs and snails.

Large-fruited cultivars should be stacked.

WHERE TO BUY CHILLIES

- Cookoo Box Chillies - Plants and seeds, including Jekka McVicar's favorite, C. 'Chenzo'.

- Gardening Direct: includes a selection of sweet and hot peppers.

- Nicky's Seeds: sells 170 different varieties of chili seeds.

- Plants of distinction - Wide range of plants, including a good selection of peppers.

- Simpson Seeds and Plants: Sells a variety of peppers and offers tips on the site.

- South Devon Chilli Farm - Specialized nursery that grows over 10,000 chili plants per year.

You can find more information about interior and garden design and interior design ideas at homesandgardens

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iddy byho Joined: August 21st, 2020