A descriptive guide of chili varieties, including hybrids. Covering sowing, growing, aftercare and uses in the kitchen.
Naga Jolokia Chocolate
- Crops in : September to October
Availability
Description
Too hot to handle? Believed to be the world’s hottest chili pepper! Officially measured at just over one million Scoville Heat Units (SHU). Originating from the Assam region of India, it is best grown in the UK in a greenhouse or conservatory where it will require a long growing period.
Use sparingly and with care.
Sowing Instructions
Sow seeds late January to February. Sow seeds thinly on the surface of a good free draining compost. Cover with a fine sprinkling of compost or vermiculite. Place in a propagator at 18-20C (64-68F) until after germination, which takes 7-14 days. Do not exclude light, as this helps germination.
Growing Instructions
Transplant seedings when large enough to handle into 7.5cm (3in) pots. Plant in final situation when 10cm (4in) high, 45cm (18in) apart. For indoor crops, plant into growbags or pots. For outdoor crops, acclimatise plants to outdoor conditions for 10-15 days before planting in sunny, fertile, moist, well-drained soil.
Aftercare
Feed plants weekly with a high potash tomato fertiliser once the first fruits have set.
Caution
Extremely hot, so handle and taste with care!
Meek and Mild (Poblana type – Mildly Hot)
- Crops August to september
- Ideal for patios
Availability
Description
The mildest chili, ideal for more delicate tastebuds! The large, shiny, bottle-green fruits of Chili Pepper Meek and Mild are mildly pungent with a tinge of sweetness and ideal for stuffing and roasting. Fully ripe red fruits are ideal for powders and sauces. Chili Pepper Meek and Mild produces generous yields throughout the season. Suitable for greenhouse, conservatory or outdoors.
Sowing Instructions
Sow seeds March to April. Place seeds on the surface of a free draining compost and cover with a fine sprinkling of compost or vermiculite. Place in a propagator at 18-20C (64-68F) until after germination, which takes 7 to 14 days. Do not exclude light, as this helps germination.
Growing Instructions
Transplant seedings when large enough to handle into 7.5cm (3 inch) pots. Plant in final situation when 10cm (4 inches) high, 45cm (18 inches) apart. For indoor crops, plant into growbags or pots. For outdoor crops, acclimatise plants to outdoor conditions for a few days before planting in sunny, fertile, moist, well-drained soil. Prefers a moist, rich, well-drained soil in warm conditions.
Aftercare
Feed weekly with tomato fertiliser once first fruits have set.
Kitchen Notes
A favourite ingredient in Cajun recipes.
Naga Jolokia
- Crops in August to september
Availability
Description
Officially recognised as the world’s hottest chilli pepper, measured at just over one million scoville heat units (SHU). Extensively cultivated in Assam region of India. Best grown in a container under glass as needs a long growing season. Fruits pale lime green turning an orangey red.
Use sparingly and with care.
Sowing Instructions
Sow seeds late January to February. Sow seeds thinly on the surface of a good free draining compost. Cover with a fine sprinkling of compost or vermiculite. Place in a propagator at 18-20C (64-68F) until after germination, which takes 7-14 days. Do not exclude light, as this helps germination.
Growing Instructions
Transplant seedings when large enough to handle into 7cm (3in) pots. Plant in final situation when 10cm (4in) high, 45cm (18in) apart. For indside crops, plant into pots or growbags. For outdoor crops, acclimatise plants to outdoor conditions for 10-20 days before planting in light, fertile, moist, well drained soil.
Aftercare
Feed plants weekly with a high potash fertiliser once the first fruits have set.
Caution
Extremely hot, handle and taste with care!
Numex Twilight
- Crops in : Harvest July to October.
- Ideal for : Patios
Availability
Description
Chili Pepper Numex Twilight produces attractive, upright setting fruits ripening from purple to yellow to orange and finally red. Although edible and full of flavour, Chili Pepper Numex Twilight also makes an eye-catching ornamental pot plant indoors or in containers on the patio.
Sowing Instructions
Sow seeds March to April. Place seeds on the surface of a free draining compost and cover with a fine sprinkling of compost or vermiculite. Place in a propagator at 18-21C (65-70F) until after germination, which takes 7-10 days. Do not exclude light as this helps germination.
Growing Instructions
Transplant seedlings when they are large enough to handle into 7.5cm (3in) pots. Plant in final situation when 10cm (4in) high, 45cm (18in) apart. For indoor crops, plant into growbags or pots. For outdoor crops, acclimatise plants to outdoor conditions for a couple of days before planting in sunny, fertile, moist, well drained soil,when risk of frost has passed.
Aftercare
Feed weekly with a high potash tomato fertilizer once first fruits have set.
Prairie Fire
- Crops in : 65-70 Days
- Ideal for : Patios
Availability
Description
These peppers might look small, but they certainly make up for size when it comes to flavour! One bushy plant will give you a non-stop summer crop of literally hundreds of mini, extremely hot peppers. (Capsicum annuum)
Sowing Instructions
Sow seeds early spring in a good seed compost and barely cover the seeds. Germination usually takes 8-14 days at 24-27C (75-80F).
Growing Instructions
Transplant seedlings when large enough to handle into 7.5cm (3in) and finally into 20cm (8in) pots or growbags. Aim for a night temperature of between 16-24C (60-75F) otherwise fruit setting may be poor. Likewise keep daytime temperature around 24C (75F) for best results.
Aftercare
As the flowers show, ensure the compost is always evenly moist. Give a small application of fertiliser as the blossoms open and water well. For continued crop, pick the fruit when they start to colour and ripen off.
Padron
- Crops in : July to October
Availability
Description
Enjoy this Spanish culinary experience fresh from your own garden. Chili Pepper Padro is ieal picked when small and green for low levels of heat, as the heat increases as the fruits get larger and continue to mature to red. Also known as the Tapas Pepper, Chili Pepper Padro is excellent added to stirfries.
Padron is from the Pimientos de Padron, brought to northern Spain by Mexican monks in the 18th century.
Sowing Instructions
Place seeds on the surface of a free-draining compost and cover with a fine sprinkling of compost or vermiculite. Place in a propagator at 18-21C (65-70F) until after germination which takes 7-10 days. Do not exclude light as this helps germination.
Growing Instructions
Transplant seedlings when large enough to handle into 7cm (3in) pots. Plant in final situation when plants are 10cm (4in) high, 45cm (18in) apart. For indoor crops plant into growbags or pots. For outdoor crops, acclimatise plants to outdoor conditions for a few days before planting in sunny, fertile, moist, well-drained soil, after all risk of frost has passed.
Aftercare
Feed plants weekly with a high potash tomato fertiliser once the first fruits have set.
Nutritional Information
Red chillies are very high in Vitamin C and betacarotene.
Kitchen Notes
Shallow fry in oil, or slice in half, stuff with cheese and bake in the oven.
Demon Red
- Crops in : 80 days
- Ideal for : Patios
Availability
Description
Bred for growing on a windowsill or in patio containers. Chili Pepper Demon Red produces attractive, very dwarf plants, for edible and ornamental use. The flowers and upward pointing fruits of Chili Pepper Demon Red start green and turn bright red, are produced throughout the season.
Prolific yields throughout the season, indoors or outside.
Sowing Instructions
Sow seeds March to April. Place seeds on the surface of a free-draining compost and cover with a fine sprinkling of compost or vermiculite. Place in a propagator at 18-21C (65-20F) until after germination, which takes 7-10 days. Do not exclude light as this helps germination.
Growing Instructions
Transplant seedlings when large enough to handle into 7.5cm (3in) pots. Plant in final situation when plants are 10cm (4in) high, 45cm (18in) apart.
For indoor crops, plant into growbags or pots.
For outdoor crops, acclimatise plants to outdoor conditions for a few days before planting in sunny, fertile, moist, well drained soil, after all risk of frost.
Aftercare
Feed plants weekly with a high potash tomato fertiliser once first fruits have set.
Nutritional Information
Red chillies are very high in Vitamins A and C, and beta-carotene. The compound capsaicin that gives chillies their burn is also thought to have a positive effect on blood cholesterol.
Kitchen Notes
Essential ingredient in spicy, pungent dishes.
Pinocchio’s Nose
- Crops in : Harvest July to October
- Ideal for : Patios
Availability
Description
Chili Pepper Pinocchio’s Nose produces unbelievably long, slender, cayenne-style fruits with strong pungency, excellent for hot sauces or for drying to make powders. Fruits ripen dark bottle-green to red. High yielding, Chili Pepper Pinocchio’s Nose produces fruits up to 25cm (10 inches) long. Bushy plants for indoor or outdoor growing.
Sowing Instructions
Sow seeds March to April. Place seed on the surface of a free draining compost and cover with a fine sprinkling of compost or vermiculite. Place in a propagator at 18-20C (64-68F) until after germination, which takes 7 to 14 days. Do not exclude light, as this helps germination.
Growing Instructions
Transplant seedings when large enough to handle into 7.5cm (3 inch) pots. Plant in final situation when 10cm (4 inches) high, 45cm (18 inches) apart. For indoor crops, plant into growbags or pots. For outdoor crops, acclimatise plants to outdoor conditions for a few days before planting in sunny, fertile, moist, well-drained soil.
Aftercare
Feed weekly with tomato fertiliser once first fruits have set.
Kitchen Notes
Excellent for hot sauces or for drying to make powders.
Cheyenne F1 Hybrid
- Crops in : July to October
- Ideal for : Patios
Availability
Description
A compact, bushy, early ripening variety, Chili Pepper Cheyenne grows to a height of 45cm (18in). Ideal grown in growbags or containers, making an attractive feature on the patio. Chili Pepper Cheyenne produces masses of medium sized green, turning orange fruits throughout the summer.
Sowing Instructions
Sow seeds March to April. Place seeds on the surface of a free draining compost and cover with a fine sprinkling of compost or vermiculite. Place in a propagator at 18-21C (65-70F) until after germination, which takes 7-10 days. Do not exclude light as this helps germination.
Growing Instructions
Transplant seedlings when large enough to handle into 7.5cm (3in) pots. Plant in final situation when 10cm (4in) high, 45cm (18in) apart. For indoor crops, plant into growbags or pots. For outdoor crops, acclimatise plants to outdoor conditions for a few days before planting in sunny, fertile, moist, well drained soil, after all risk of frost has passed.
Aftercare
Feed weekly with a high potash tomato fertiliser once first fruits have set.
Nutritional Information
Red chillies are very high in Vitamins A and C, and beta-carotene. The compound capsaicin that gives chillies their burn is also thought to have a positive effect on blood cholesterol.
Mustard Habanero
- Crops in : July to October
- Height : 30 inches
Availability
Description
The bushy plants 75cm (30in) tall of Chili Pepper Mustard Habanero produce uniquely coloured, lantern shaped fruits. Chili Pepper Mustard Habanero is best grown under glass, as fruits need a hot summer to ripen fully and achieve their legendary pungency
Sowing Instructions
Sow seeds March to April. Place seeds on the surface of a free draining compost and cover with a fine sprinkling of compost or vermiculite. Place in a propagator at 18-21C (65-70F) until after germination, which takes 7-10 days. Do not exclude light as this helps germination.
Growing Instructions
Transplant seedlings when large enough to handle into 7.5cm (3 in) pots. Plant in final situation when 10cm (4in) high, 45cm (18in) apart. For indoor crops, plant into growbags or pots. For outdoor crops, acclimatise plants to outdoor conditions for a few days before planting in sunny, fertile, moist, well drained soil , after all risk of frost has passed.
Aftercare
For a heavier crop, feed all peppers with a high potash fertiliser each week, once the flowers have started to set fruit.
Kitchen Notes
Wash and grill peppers until skins are charred. Cool, slice and remove seeds and skin. Grill onion slices. Put in a bowl, adding chopped parsley, balsamic vinegar, coarse salt and a drizzle of olive oil. Delicious served warm or cool.
Black Pearl
- Crops in : 80 days
- Ideal for : Patios
Availability
Description
A unique black leaved chili pepper, Chili Pepper Black Pearl is greenish when young, changing to glossy black on maturity under sunny conditions. The bushy, well branched plants of Chili Pepper Black Pearl are 45cm (18in) high with a 30cm (12in) spread, produce hot shiny black fruits, turning dark red.
This unique foliage and fruit colour combination of Chili Pepper Black Pearl looks spectacular planted on its own or in mixed containers.
Sowing Instructions
Sow seeds March to April. Place seeds on the surface of a free draining compost and cover with a fine sprinkling of compost or vermiculite. Place in a propagator at 18-21C (65-70F) until after germination, which takes 7-10 days. Do not exclude light as this helps germination.
Growing Instructions
Transplant seedlings when large enough to handle into 7.5cm (3 in) pots. Plant in final situation when 10cm (4in) high, 45cm (18in) apart. For indoor crops, plant into growbags or pots. For outdoor crops, acclimatise plants to outdoor conditions for a few days before planting in sunny, fertile, moist, well-drained soil, after all risk of frost has passed.
Aftercare
Feed weekly with a high potash tomato fertiliser once first fruits have set.
Tropical Heat
- Crops in : August to October
- Ideal for : Patios
Availability
Description
Chili Pepper Tropical Heat is a tantalising mix of Caribbean Habenero red and orange plus the yellow and red Scotch Bonnets. All fruits are green prior to ripening and have a very hot, fiery pungency at maturity.
Sowing Instructions
Sow seeds March to early April. Sow seeds thinly on the surface of a good free draining compost. Cover with a fine sprinkling of compost or vermiculite. Place in a propagator at 18-20C (64-68F) until after germination, which takes 7-14 days. Do not exclude light, as this helps germination.
Growing Instructions
Transplant seedings when large enough to handle into 7.5cm (3in) pots. Plant in final situation when 10cm (4in) high, 45cm (18in) apart. For indoor crops, plant into growbags or pots. For outdoor crops, acclimatise plants to outdoor conditions for 10-15 days before planting in sunny, fertile, moist, well-drained soil.
Aftercare
Feed weekly with tomato fertiliser once first fruits have set.
Kitchen Notes
Excellent in chili con carne, hotpots or curries.
Thai Dragon F1
- Crops in : 70 Days
- Ideal for : Patios
Availability
Description
Not for the faint hearted, this is the variety that gives Habenero a run tor its money. Chili Pepper Thai Dragon bears a profusion of 3.5in fruits, often yielding up to 200 fruits! Great addition in pickling jars to put some zip in your step. Harvest Chili Pepper Thai Dragon singly, or pull the entire plant when full of red peppers, and hang upside down in the kitchen for use all year long.
Sowing Instructions
Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks prior to the last frost date. Sow seeds ¼in deep in a pre-moistened potting soil and keep moist and warm throughout germination, which takes 7-14 days at 20-30C (75-80F). Grow on warm and in good light, avoiding cold drafts which can severely delay growth and subsequent fruiting. Fertilize weekly with a ¼ strength balanced liquid fertilizer after seedlings develop their first set of true leaves.
Growing Instructions
Transplant on to larger pots as needed. Gradually acclimatise seedlings to outdoor conditions and set outdoors after all danger of frost at a 12 to 18 inches spacing when the soil has thoroughly warmed.
Aftercare
Harvest when the fruits are fully ripe, at the red stage. Stress increases the ‘heat’ production in peppers – flood the ground a couple of days prior to harvest for hot peppers, or allow to wilt slightly.
tabasco
- Crops in : August to October
- Ideal for : Patios
Availability
Description
Small, upright yellow-green fruits about 1in. long turning scarlet when ripe. Chili Pepper tabasco is extremely hot.
Sowing Instructions
Sow seeds March to early April. Sow seeds thinly on the surface of a good free draining compost. Cover with a fine sprinkling of compost or vermiculite. Place in a propagator at 18-20C (64-68F) until after germination, which usually takes 10 days.
Growing Instructions
Transplant seedings when large enough to handle into 7.5cm (3in) pots. Plant in final situation when 10cm (4in) high, 45cm (18in) apart. For indoor crops: plant into growbags or pots. For outdoor crops: acclimatise plants for 10-15 days before planting out.
Aftercare
Feed weekly with a high potash tomato fertiliser once first fruits have set.
Kitchen Notes
Reduce the intensity of chilis by removing the seeds and inner ribs.
Heatwave
- Crops in : 75 Days
- Ideal for : Patios
Availability
Description
Thanks to Columbus who is credited with discovering the cayenne pepper, gardeners and cooks can enjoy the pleasure of this mixture containing red, yellow and orange. Beautifully ornamental and offering a ‘mind blowing’ hot flavour experience. Most suitable for greenhouse culture. (Capsicum annuum)
Sowing Instructions
Sow seeds early spring in a good seed compost and barely cover the seeds. Germination usually takes 8-14 days at 24-27C (75-80F).
Growing Instructions
Transplant seedlings when large enough to handle into 7.5cm (3in) and finally into 20cm (8in) pots or growbags. Aim for a night temperature of between 16-24C (60-75F) otherwise fruit setting may be poor. Likewise keep daytime temperature around 24C (75F) for best results.
Aftercare
As the flowers form ensure the compost is always evenly moist. Give a weak application of fertiliser as the blossoms open and water well. For continued cropping, pick the fruit as soon as they start to colour and ripen off the plant.
Pyramid
- Crops in : July to October
Availability
Description
Chili Pepper Pyramid is an attractive range of small, brightly-coloured fruits produced non-stop throughout the summer on compact, bushy, 37cm (15in) tall plants. Chili Pepper Pyramid is ideal for growing in containers on a sunny patio. Seeds are in the RHS Vegetable Collection.
Sowing Instructions
Sow seeds March to April. Place seeds on the surface of a free-draining compost and cover with about 6mm (¼in) of compost or vermiculite. Place in a propagator at 18-21C (65-70F) until after germination, which takes 7-10 days. Do not exclude light as this helps germination.
For indoor crops plant into growbags or pots. For outdoor crops, acclimatise plants to outdoor conditions for a few days before planting in containers for the patio, or in sunny, fertile, moist, well-drained soil, after all risk of frost has passed.
Growing Instructions
Maintain temperature about 15C (60F). Transplant seedlings when large enough to handle into 7.5cm (3in) pots. Plant in final position when plants are 10cm (4in) high, 45cm (18in) apart.
Aftercare
Feed plants weekly with a high potash tomato fertiliser once first fruits have set. It is not necessary to pinch out growth or sideshoot. Harvest regularly to promote further flowers and to extend the picking season.
Jalapeno Summer Heat F1 Hybrid
- Ideal for : Patios
Availability
Thompson and Morgan (exclusive)
Description
The Pizza Pepper. An earlier ripening Jalapeno with longer, slightly tapered, 9cm (3½in) fruits. Traditionally the fruits are picked green, but can be left to ripen red.The unusual ‘scarred’ skin of Jalapeno Summer Heat is a desired trait of Mexican Jalapenos. Jalapeno Summer Heat is suitable for growing in a greenhouse or outdoors. Prefers a moist, rich, well drained soil in warm conditions.
Flavour guide: Hot pungency. Ideal for Pizzas
Sowing Instructions
Sow seeds March to April on the surface of a free draining compost and cover with a fine sprinkling of compost or vermiculite. Place in a propagator at 18-21C (65-70F) until after germination, which takes 7-10 days. Do not exclude light as this helps germination.
Growing Instructions
Transplant seedlings when large enough to handle into 7.5cm (3in) pots. Plant in final situation when plants are 10cm (4in) high, 45cm (18in) apart.
For indoor crops, plant into growbags or pots. For outdoor crops, acclimatise plants to outdoor conditions for a few days before planting in sunny, fertile, moist, well drained soil, after all risk of frost.
Aftercare
Feed plants weekly with a high potash tomato fertiliser once first fruits have set.
Kitchen Notes
Ideal Ingredient for an added Pizza topping.
Inferno F1
- Crops in : 120 Days
Description
Hungarian Hot Wax hybrid, Chili Pepper Inferno produces an early bumper crops over a long season on compact plants. Fruits are large, smooth skinned, pale lime green turning red. Chili Pepper Inferno is ideal for roasting and frying.
Sowing Instructions
Sow seeds March to early April. Germinate at 20-30C (68-86F) on the surface of a good free draining, damp seed compost, cover with a fine sprinkling of vermiculite. Place in a propagator or seal container inside a polythene bag until after germination which usually takes 7-14 days.
Growing Instructions
Transplant seedlings when large enough to handle into 7.5cm (3 inch) pots. For indoor crops plant out into growbags or 20cm (8 inch) pots in the greenhouse. Ensure compost is evenly moist as flowers form. Give a weak general fertiliser as blossoms open and water well.
Aftercare
Prefers a moist, rich, well drained soil in warm conditions. Harvest August to October.
Kitchen Notes
Good for stuffing and roasting
