THE 2017 CHILLI THREAD

The 'bottom up' system for picking most chillies doesn't work as some will hang on for ever. I have to cut mine off - I use deadheading snippers. You really need to know if your chillies are a variety that ripens to red or whether they are one of the few varieties that remain green. Having said that:- with most of them it doesn't really matter. Ones that go red can still be used green but they normally haven't developed the full heat.

Of course, not all work that way If you speak to the Bangladeshi or Indian communities they will tell you that Naga chillies should be eaten whilst still a light green. They haven't developed their full heat by then (still B..... Hot! ) but have a much better flavour. If you want to use them for pickles then you let them ripen to red.

Overwintering:- depending on the variety, they are normally cut back to about 6" (leaving about four side branches, also trimmed back). You don't have to cut them back at all as they are perennials but it's better to give them a bit of a rest from producing leaves and fruit. We usually keep some of ours producing until January (70F with as much daylight as possible - in propagator in greenhouse), then cut back and stop feeding and bring indoors. Leave them dormant, 60F+, until they start their new leaves around early March, and put close to a window. Then back into propagator in mid to late April. No extra light seems to be necessary.

Whether that's the right way to do it, I haven't the faintest idea. I've found that keeping them past three years old doesn't get them producing as well as younger ones but they are still quicker to produce. I've never bothered to keep them after five years.

 

Thanks My fingers run away with themselves

Well! That was my excuse when the police came round

 

I'd also add, that when overwintering, once you cut the stem, it would be a good idea to cover the cut end with some wax (melted on) as the stalk of a chilli plant are hollow, and if moisture gets in, it can rot the stems.

 

Also, cut it at a 45 degree angle.

 

No, but I'm lazy! I remove the top inch of compost and replace it.

Fungus gnats (sciarid fly) can be a nuisance in house plants and changing the top inch (preferably two inches) of soil helps. A layer of gravel also helps. Only water from the bottom if you have this problem. Also, if they're around, a little bowl of cider vinegar alongside the plant helps to trap them.

I repot them in the Spring.

 

Don't drink too much of it. A good shower might help, as well.