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Hi
I just wanted to say that this is an excellent site. I ordered seeds (veggies) and organic vegetable growing guide book and all I can say is that the service has been absolutely fantastic. Most seeds are sown and already starting to sprout. The Kitchen Garden leaflet is a fantastic idea. I have copied this and have one in the greenhouse and a spare in the house. I will definately be ordering from you again.
Thanks again for everything
Charmaine, Ab
How Hot Is That?...Chilli Pepper Heat Guide
Supplied as a packet of approximately 10 seeds.
This Product is Available Now.Sometimes known as 'Tepin', 'Bird's Eye' or 'Bird Peppers' these grow wild in Mexico and Southern America - in essence, this is the mother of all Chillies!
These can prove a little difficult to germinate (unless the seed has been through a bird's digestive system) - but certainly not impossible. A little extra warmth and a little more patience is usually all that is needed. In the first year they produce a straggly but bushy plant - and it is rare to see fruit in the first year as well so for UK growers these will need to be over-wintered, frost-free, and grown as a perennial.
When they do set fruit they produce small, green, marble-like fruits, ½" (1 cm) in diameter that mature to a deep red. They have a fiery heat, but in the mouth it is not long-lasting - so this is more like a quick kick rather than a long burn. Traditionally they are harvested by breaking off whole branches from the plant and hanging them to dry before use - but picked and used as a conventional 'ripe' chilli they are a valuable plant for the kitchen, and for the garden too.
The plant itself grows to around 3-4 feet (90-120 cm) tall with a spread of around 3 feet (90 cm). As we have said, growth in the first year can be quite lax - however, by pruning back by about two thirds each winter the following year's growth will prove far stronger.
To ensure good germination a constant compost temperature of 82° - 86° f (28° - 30° C) is recommended. Germination can be slow and take three weeks or more.
How Hot Is That?...Chilli Pepper Heat Guide
How To Sow & Grow Chilli Pepper & Sweet Peppers
Detailed advice on sowing and growing chilli peppers and sweet peppers - both inside and outside.
How To Grow Chillies & Sweet Peppers - Part 1 (Video)
An instructional video by Stephen on the basics of caring for chillies and sweet peppers in the first few months.
How To Grow Chillies & Sweet Peppers - Part 2 (Video)
An instructional video by Stephen on the basics of caring for chillies and sweet peppers as the season progresses.
How To Sow & Transplant Chilli Peppers, Sweet Peppers & Aubergines (Video)
An instructional video by Stephen explaining how to sow and then transplant chilli and sweet peppers. The same technique can also be used for aubergines.
A Note About Our Seed Packets & Seed Counts
Information on Victoriana's method of packeting seed, including information on the seed packets. Also details on Victoriana's seed guarantee.
Chilli Pepper & Sweet Pepper Heat Guide
A guide to the heat levels of sweet peppers and chilli peppers - from the cool to the volcanic. Also details on how Chilli Pepper heat levels are measured.