So who's growing chillies this year?

[Ajhutch]

One more thing for you to keep an eye out for then Chippy

 

[Ajhutch]

Anyway, to get this thread back on topic. I’m planning to grow some chillies next summer but my space is somewhat limited. I’ve seen a variety of different sized plants on here, do different varieties grow to different sizes? Any recommendations for reasonably compact plants if so?!

 

[Chippy_Tea]

One more thing for you to keep an eye out for then Chippy

The subject of distilling is brought up fairly regularly as most members don't read the rules so are unaware we don't allow it's discussion I don't think threads on growing your own tobacco will be something we see often.

 

[Clint]

One final on tobacco...reference to smoking it ..does chewing it not count? Not that I've ever seen anyone chewing it except in cowboy films.
Yeeeehaaaaar!

 

[VW911]

Anyway, to get this thread back on topic. I’m planning to grow some chillies next summer but my space is somewhat limited. I’ve seen a variety of different sized plants on here, do different varieties grow to different sizes? Any recommendations for reasonably compact plants if so?!

Certainly do grow to different sizes.
Smaller ones include Ring of Fire (!), Numex Twilight, Apache, Bequito, and any of the "ornamental" varieties. They can also be successfully grown in hanging baskets.
Some of mine are well over 1.5m and the same across.

 

[VW911]

I'm having a right Chilli day of it...
The dehydrator is on with Scotch Bonnets and Paper Lanterns drying for powder,
The smoker is going in the garden with Jalapenos in (Chipotles),
A pot of chilli jam is bubbling away on the stove,
And I'm just about to scald some Bird's Eye chillies ready to go with some root ginger in to a batch of this years cider.

Must be careful not to scratch any sensitive parts today!!!

 

[IainM]

Anyway, to get this thread back on topic. I’m planning to grow some chillies next summer but my space is somewhat limited. I’ve seen a variety of different sized plants on here, do different varieties grow to different sizes? Any recommendations for reasonably compact plants if so?!

VW911 is right that some chillies are naturally smaller, because of their genetics, but another point is that they restrict their growth if the roots are restricted, stopping at a smaller plant and putting their energy into flowing and fruiting. The plus side of this is that that the plant generally produces ripe pods earlier, although you get less of them. For instance, I've got a 7 pot primo in a 2L pot and it's already given me it's full harvest of pods about a month ago, about 20 or so, while the one I have in a larger pot is about a meter high, has loads of pods but they are only just starting to ripen en masse. I've also got some orange habanero plants, one of which is in a 330ml coke can and is a about 20cm high, and another is in a large pot and is massive (and obscenely productive!). While some chillies don't do so well in small pots (padron, aji amarillo, rocottos, thunder mountain longhorn etc..., basically the ones that naturally grow really big), most are absolutely fine.

Some people take this to the extreme and make bonzai chillies (aka bonchis) by growing a big plant then cutting it back and repotting it in a small container to restrict it's roots. So, it still has it's thick stem from when it was a big plant, but then grows as a small plant. I think they look pretty impressive!

 

[Ajhutch]

Thanks @VW911 and @IainM for the helpful advice. Plenty to think about

 

[Oneflewover]

Thanks @VW911 and @IainM for the helpful advice. Plenty to think about

Iain's post above is spot on.
There are 2 chillies that I grow time and again, i really like and are truly compact. Turtle claw a really productive and early habanero, and spike a 'thai' chilli.
https://www.seaspringseeds.co.uk/sh...ro-chilli-seed/turtle-claw-chilli-seed-detail
https://seaspringseeds.co.uk/shop/chilli-seed/spice-type-chillies/spike-chilli-seed-detail

 

[Subtle Duck]

I'd definitely try growing super chillies, i've always had a lot of success with them and they are quite a compact plant. Has anyone one tried Peter pepper for a bit of a laugh?

 

[foxy]

I wondered this last night when I read the thread but it was too late to look into it, looks like it is legal to grow it but illegal to smoke it unless you pay tax so like distilling without a licence best not discussed.


Is it legal to grow my own tobacco ?
In many countries you can grow unlimited supplies for your own consumption tax free. In the UK, HM Customs & Excise are reviewing our duty on home grown tobacco. There is no duty of tobacco seeds, tobacco plants, or curing tobacco. Duty will only become payable when the tobacco leaves have been shredded or manufactured into cigarettes. HM Customs & Excise have said they will not be actively looking for home growers and when they have devised a means of collecting taxes from home growers, they will be reliant on home growers to declare that they have manufactured their tobacco. Given that 20% of all tobacco smoked in the UK is smuggled in from abroad, HM Customs could be in for a long wait. Please tell us if it is legal to grow tobacco in your country - we need world information for our new site at www.FreeSmoking.co.uk.

Illegal to grow in Australia, a few years ago one could drive around the countryside and see fields of tobacco (licensed) but not anymore, I think too many people were doing the wrong thing. I can legally buy cannabis seed but not allowed to plant them.
Chilies, I have grown quite a few different varieties, Carolina Reaper being the hottest which is silly, now I stick to Jalapeno or something lower on the Scolville Scale, I believe that Jalapeno is the hottest natural chili.

 

[Druncan]

Always find diverse interesting info on the HBF!!!! my fav morning read, Cheers

 

[Horners]

Chilly morning in South London, out in garden before yet another wet weekend kicks in. Harvesting tgai dragons and apaches before frost gets em...

 

[Oneflewover]

I'd definitely try growing super chillies, i've always had a lot of success with them and they are quite a compact plant. Has anyone one tried Peter pepper for a bit of a laugh?

Yep, superchilli is great, easy to grow, early, compact, great to use in the kitchen.

Peter Pepper, is that the variety that might be better called Pecker Pepper?

 

[Subtle Duck]

Yup, though I might get some seedlings growing for spring presents next year. Know they'd definitely provoke a few smiles with the missus' friends.