Last few weeks I have been buying the small packs of chillies from Aldi and have been enjoying them in various meals. Then I remembered OCUK have a chilli growing thread! So, as a complete and utter novice at growing anything, literally never grown anything just have a house plant I water. How can I get started with this? I quite like the idea of growing my own.
What time of year do I need to plant?
If you get some seeds sown now you will get some fruit but you might also want to look at getting some small plug plants form a garden centre. I normally sow mine in February or early March. Chillies are a relatively slow growing plant. So the more time they have, the better. I sowed a little later than usual this year, but I'm sure ill have more than enough chillies again.
How long does it take?
Varies depending on variety. The hotter chillies tend to take longer to fruit.
How many can I get from a single plant?
Maybe around 20-30 chillies? But it all depends on the variety. Sometimes more, sometimes less. I normally grow around 6 plants and that is more than enough for me!
How difficult are they to grow?
Not difficult at all IMO. There is plenty of information online if you're ever in doubt with anything. They're quite tolerant to conditions. You just need to remember to water them and give them some food once they begin fruiting.
What kind of conditions do they need?
A warm place with plenty of sun. I've grown some of mine solely on a window sill for the past few years.
What to grow most importantly? I don't like anything seriously hot so none of that ghost or bell thing what ever it is
The advantage of growing seeds is that you can have anything you want t. If you buy from a garden centre you're limited as to what you can buy. As always, have a look online at the available seeds. There are loads! Take note of the scoville rating of the chillies to give you an idea of heat.
Leaves by -neilgates-
