Top Chillies...pt2
3 more of the best from 23

My Top Chillies of 2023 pt2

My Top Chillies of 2023 pt2

In the midst of December, a time when most gardens are winding down, it's astonishing to find my annum plants still thriving in the cosy embrace of the greenhouse.

The chill in the air may have bid farewell to the chinense varieties during the last cold snap, but the annuum plants stand defiant, continuing to bear fruit.

Reflecting on the year that was, it's remarkable how an early start to the season played a pivotal role in the success of my chilli plants. They were already of substantial size as they weathered through the challenges of a rather lacklustre summer.

What seemed like a disappointing outlook back in August has gracefully transformed into a season of abundance and productivity.

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In this surprising turn of events, here are three chilli varieties that each earned the title of stalwart in my chilli-growing journey. Each of these Recordbreakers, Classic Hots, and Annuum varieties have proven themselves as reliable and consistent performers. From the moment the seeds germinated, they displayed a vigour that set them apart. Their growth has been robust and uniform, and the promise of a bountiful harvest has (with a little late autumn sunshine) been consistently fulfilled.

These chillies are a testament to the unpredictable and delightful journey of growing chillies. From the highs of early season optimism to the unexpected productivity in the face of challenges, each chilli variety tells a story of resilience and tenacity.

The Yellow Seven Pot: A Trinidadian Superhot Sensation

Welcome to the world of fiery delights, where the Yellow Seven Pot chilli takes centre stage. This superhot chilli earned its intriguing name for a reason – one pod packs enough heat to fuel a week's worth of curry adventures. In the realm of superheats, the Yellow Seven Pot stood out as a star performer in my garden, consistently proving itself as one of the easiest superhots to cultivate.

The journey begins with an impressive rate of germination, ensuring a promising start. As the plants unfold, their growth is marked by bright green, large, and surprisingly flat leaves for a chinense plant, adding a touch of tropical allure to your garden.

Having grown thousands of chillies over the past 15 years, I can attest to the Yellow Seven Pot's reliability and relative hardiness among superhots. The robust nature of the Yellow Seven Pot provides a reassuring backdrop for chilli enthusiasts, offering a manageable yet thrilling growing experience.

the large leafed seven pot

the large leafed seven pot

a mass of pods on this bush

a mass of pods on this bush

one of the most beautiful yellow chillies

crumpled yellow pods

crumpled yellow pods

enough pods to kill a horse

enough pods to kill a horse

What truly sets the Yellow Seven Pot apart is its early start to fruiting. It takes the lead among superheats, producing pods that boast an impressive 1 million Scoville units. The vibrant yellow pods are quite a sight to behold.

While the Red variants may steal the spotlight in terms of heat, the Yellow Seven Pot compensates with a distinctive flavour profile. The fruits carry a delightful and fruity essence with a strong hint of pineapple, adding a tropical twist to the intense heat; a unique combination of spice and sweetness. In my kitchen, i’ve turned these vibrant peppers into a tantalising chilli jelly. This fusion aims to capture the essence of the Yellow Seven Pot – a balance of heat and a burst of fruity delight.

If you'd like to add more plugs and plants to an existing pre-order (prior to first dispatch - Feb) there's no need to pay p&p twice. Just add a note to your order and we'll refund the shipping.

Exploring the Extraordinary: Chinese Space Chillies

Embarking on a journey into the world of chillies, I find myself revisiting an old favourite that never ceases to amaze – the Chinese Space Chilli. It's been a few years since these fascinating plants graced my garden, but their ability to impress remains etched in my horticultural memories.

What sets the Chinese Space Chilli apart is its robust nature and rapid growth, making it among the hardiest companions in the chilli-growing realm. These plants are resilient, almost indestructible, thriving even when subjected to a fair amount of gardening mishaps. For those cultivating chillies in outdoor settings, this corkscrew of a chilli proves to be a reliable choice, unfazed by a bit of neglect or environmental challenges.

As the plants mature, they unveil a spectacle that borders on the semi-ornamental. The Chilli produces an abundance of long, corkscrew spiral pods that gracefully adorn the bush. These pods, reaching impressive lengths of 8 to 10 inches, add a dramatic flair to the garden landscape. It's not just a chilli plant; it's a botanical masterpiece.

When it comes to the sensory experience, the Chinese Space Chilli also offers a delightful twist. The heat level falls within the mild to medium range, providing a pleasant warmth without overwhelming intensity.

a lot of pods from a small bush

a lot of pods from a small bush

the long green pods ripen to a rich red

Extremely beautiful chilli pods

Chinese space is a prolific chilli

crazy long, twisted pods

What truly captivates the palate is the sweet flavour accompanied by a crisp, crunchy texture. It's a harmonious blend that elevates the culinary potential of these unique chillies.

Delving into the backstory of the Chinese Space Chilli adds an extra layer of intrigue. These distinctive chillies trace their lineage back to Chinese experiments in the 1980s, where a variety of vegetable seeds, including chillies, ventured into space.

Exposed to the vacuum of zero gravity, these seeds underwent an otherworldly experience. Interestingly, the experiments were not exclusive to the Chinese; Russians and Americans also delved into extraterrestrial horticulture. However, only the Chinese succeeded in bringing back viable seeds.

Legend has it that the space voyage endowed these chillies with extraordinary powers – a penchant for rampant growth and an imposing size. While the validity of this narrative may be questionable, it certainly adds a captivating element to the tale of the Chinese Space Chilli. Whether influenced by cosmic forces or simply resilient by nature, these chillies continue to thrive and captivate, turning every harvest into a celebration of botanical wonders.

My Favourite...the Ever Wonderful Orange Habanero

Ah, the Orange Habanero, my all-time favourite chilli! Its perfect heat, enough to awaken the senses without blowing your head off, makes it a staple in my garden. The journey with these fiery delights is always a joy, and here's why.

The Orange Habanero, much like the Yellow 7 Pot and Chinense Space varieties, boasts extraordinary reliability. High germination rates lead to uniform growth, resulting in deep green, slightly pointed foliage. These plants stand out with their tidy, attractive, and bushy demeanour.

I can even identify them by the distinctive aroma emitted when gently rubbing or brushing past the leaves in the greenhouse. It's a mild preview of the pod's scent, making caring for them a delightful experience.

The visual appeal is enchanting—vibrant orange pods that shine, almost appearing plastic and unreal. The glossy exterior hints at the explosion of flavour within.

Their refined fruity taste elevates dishes and adds a burst of colour to the garden. The Orange Habanero, with its impeccable balance of heat and flavour, stands as a testament to the joy of growing your own chillies.

orange habs are very decorative

a pleasingly good harvest

gorgeous rich colour of the orang hab

orange habs pods change shape and colour

surreal, shiny looking pods

The distinctive smell of the leaves creates a personal connection with the Orange Habanero plants. A gentle rub or a passing brush against the foliage releases a fragrance that is both comforting and exciting. This unique characteristic not only sets them apart but also adds a sensory dimension to the cultivation process.

As the year comes to a close, my Orange Habanero bushes contribute to a cherished tradition – the annual batch of Habanero Jelly. The vibrant orange pods transform into a delightful concoction that becomes part of heartfelt Christmas presents for friends and family. It's a culmination of the year's hard work, a tangible representation of the joy these chillies bring.

The Orange Habanero is not just a chilli variety; it's a source of pleasure, a sensory experience, and a tradition in the making. Its reliability, distinctive features, and culinary versatility make it a star in my garden and a delightful addition celebrating the end of the season

Next time: Chillies for a Choppin'

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