2014 Chilli Growers Thread

It has been a while since I looked into it but from memory the advantages of LED are primarily lower power usage and lower heat output. The disadvantages (lifetime of LEDs, growth rate of plants, expense of LEDs) outweigh the advantages at the moment though things are rapidly improving on that front.

Personally I've used large 125W CFLs and they're a very nice compromise of heat output, energy efficiency and plant growth.
 
FrenchTart said:
It has been a while since I looked into it but from memory the advantages of LED are primarily lower power usage and lower heat output. The disadvantages (lifetime of LEDs, growth rate of plants, expense of LEDs) outweigh the advantages at the moment though things are rapidly improving on that front.

Personally I've used large 125W CFLs and they're a very nice compromise of heat output, energy efficiency and plant growth.
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Indeed. The use of CFL's for the early stages of growth from seedling to young plant is common, but then the trouble can be with the transition from indoor under lights, to outdoor under sun/wind. I have used CFL to grow chilli's and they worked fairly well, but I think (like in the video) the use of metal halide produces many more flowers and fruit (I think 200 flowers per plant was mentioned in the later videos, and this would be very difficult under CFL or LED). If going for maximum fruit in the best condition, the metal halide and hydroponic systems are the way to go, or emigrate to a country with a great climate.
 
Herman Gelmet said:
Indeed. The use of CFL's for the early stages of growth from seedling to young plant is common, but then the trouble can be with the transition from indoor under lights, to outdoor under sun/wind. I have used CFL to grow chilli's and they worked fairly well, but I think (like in the video) the use of metal halide produces many more flowers and fruit (I think 200 flowers per plant was mentioned in the later videos, and this would be very difficult under CFL or LED). If going for maximum fruit in the best condition, the metal halide and hydroponic systems are the way to go, or emigrate to a country with a great climate.
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Absolutely...but going the MH or HPS route (and hydroponics) is a much more massive undertaking than simply starting your plants off under lights for a bit :)
 
Just use tube lights if you want artificial light. Dirt cheap and no issues . Get hudreads of flowers per plant.
Expensive less maybe ok, but don't be fooled by the cheap ones, they are less use than a black room.


The issue taking plants outside is the wind. So need to make sure they are well dtaked till the stems thicken up. Or how with several fans and alternate them.
 
dont really have room (or budget) for lights myself, i think i'll stick to my south facing dining room windowsill until i can knock up a greenhouse outdoors :D
 
Well I have two off to a flying start and no signs of life from the other 10. Think I'll start my emergency backup seeds off mid-late march if no developments.
 
ive just heard from the OH that my 3 smaller plants have just been eaten by one of the cats (despite me reminding her to move the pot if they are allowed in that room).

:mad:

big two were in the greenhouse, at least they're okay.
 
Noxia said:
Well I have two off to a flying start and no signs of life from the other 10. Think I'll start my emergency backup seeds off mid-late march if no developments.
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I think the seeds you chose (superhots) are typically harder to germinate. Make sure you check they have enough heat and moisture, and be patient as they can take as long as a month. I would put the backup plan in action now though, as too much delay is a problem for a short season like ours.
 
neil_g said:
ive just heard from the OH that my 3 smaller plants have just been eaten by one of the cats (despite me reminding her to move the pot if they are allowed in that room).

:mad:

big two were in the greenhouse, at least they're okay.
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They're probably jealous that you are devoting more of your time to the chilli's than you were the cats :)

It is possible I might have too many seedlings/plants if they all germinate. Not a problem to send some in the post. I'll check here before I give them away. I have a large amount (1000's) of seeds as I seem to collect them, lots are home made and a bit unpredictable, others might not be 100% reliable in terms of identity.

Aji Limon are likely to be the most numerous and reliable I think. Great plants.
 
Herman Gelmet said:
I think the seeds you chose (superhots) are typically harder to germinate. Make sure you check they have enough heat and moisture, and be patient as they can take as long as a month. I would put the backup plan in action now though, as too much delay is a problem for a short season like ours.
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Interestingly, the ones that are flourishing are the Morugas. Last year I grew some Nagas quite late and they produced fruits in October (full ripened). Those plants were massive though and I had to give one away, and I tried to chop mine and it died. Flourishing is a actually the wrong word, they have simply grown .
I'll get the kitchen roll back out as per your advice :)
 
Arr sorry!

Get some seeds, either on-line or in a shop. I've used Sow Seeds for the past couple of years. And then follow the many guides on-line. There is plenty of information.

Do not feel daunted, chillies are pretty simple to grow and it is easy once you know the basics!
 
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