THE 2017 CHILLI THREAD

I've never grown chillis before but I tried starting some off about 3 weeks ago and soaked them first before putting in the propagator, they didn't germinate at all so I put some more in the propagator unsoaked 2/3 days ago and they germinated yesterday!

 

Did you use Typhoo tea ? It only works with PG tips
It's probably down to the randomness of germination . I am sowing mine this weekend . I put them in the airing cupboard - they don't need light to germinate - this is around 30°c. Normally takes just over a week to show.

 

No tea at all just luke warm water, wasn't wasting my precious teabags on chillies! I don't even like them! They are being grown for my dad and sister.
I have popped a thermometer in the propagator (it hasn't got a thermostat) and it's averaging around 20c, it can get up to 25c in the day and this is in an unheated porch

 

I have green shoots from unsoaked seeds, when they are out of the propagator I will do a trial with some soaked seeds to see if I get any difference.

 

Trial and error i soak mine for 24 hours in mild warm tea or 3or4 hours in mild miltons fluid (basically bleach )what works for me might be death for others seedlings

 

@scooby Miltons fluid ,interesting not heard that one before.

 

Harrys miltons fluid is a type of bleach based on chlorine it disinfects and kills germs bacteria and mould ,because it's used for children's food utensils it's a precise amount (JOHNSONS STERILISING FLUID IS A LOT CHEAPER) but use sparingly and in a very mild solution

 

Thanks Scooby.
Just about to plant my seeds today - can't find them anywhere ! I keep all my seeds in a box in the cool garage , but my failsafe system has failed . Ordered more on Ebay

 

Well, when I went to plant my chillies, I suddenly realised that I meant to buy some more seeds last year. Oops!
Still, I found 4 different packs: Lombardo, cayenne, Krakatoa and patio sizzle, so we shouldn't be too short...! 20 little modules sown, and put near a nice warm radiator.

 

Couple of butch t reapers a carolina reaper and a couple of maules red all about three inches high +over wintered katies and moruga scorpion

 

I have grown Chili's for years but never knew there were so many varieties! I'm going to learn a lot here

@scooby I just looked up 'Carolina Reaper' and see that 'In 2013, Guinness dubbed it the hottest chili in the world' What do you do with yours? I mean.. what dishes do you cook with it?

I will upload a photo or two of mine when I get the chance and hopefully someone can tell me what variety it is. It's not very hot at all I only grow one plant at a time because I can only eat so much but maybe it's time to find a variety that's got a bit of punch.. not Carolina Reaper type punch but just something in between?

 

Hi Flora , the chart below shows the scoville scale that measures the Chilli heat level . This may help you decide which type to grow. I grow a Cayenne type at 30k scoville , this is a nice medium heat level . I grow from seed , but just keep two plants and give the rest away.
Like you I don't have a clue how you would use a Carolina reaper at 2 million scoville !
Lots of Chilli sites showing named types of seeds with the heat level.

 

Hi flora pie I just use less in any food dish I just freeze them (they freeze very well) and it makes it easier to cut as a bonus it also means I don't have to worry if I don't get a good crop and don't have to grow so many