REALLY HOT STUFF! For some people, the challenge is to grow (and eat) the hottest chillies they can. “The hottest commercially available chilli is the Carolina Reaper (pictured),” says Sean. This fiery beast is 22 times hotter than a Habanero (which already has a blazing kick) and 300 times hotter than a Jalapeño. “We also supply seeds of many other extreme chillies, like 7 Pots, Trinidad Morouga Scorpion and Douglah’s.” The hotter the variety, the more difficult they are to grow. “The reasons are not clear. However, there is a definite increase in germination difficulty as the heat levels rise.”
SEAN’S TIPS FOR GERMINATING SUPER-HOT CHILLIES
Chilli ristra
De Arbol
Saving seed Cherry Bomb
“Saving chilli seed is straightforward, as long as you have isolated the flowers and they naturally self-pollinate. Harvest once the pod is fully coloured,” says Sean. He recommends cutting the pods open and scraping the seeds onto a plate to dry out. “Once dry, pack into
Place a germination mat underneath the seedling tray, which increases the heat and assists germination. Another option is to use an old electric blanket on its lowest setting. Use a good-quality germination mix. We recommend a third each mix of: vermiculite, coco peat and vermicompost. This fine, nutrient-rich blend holds moisture well, but doesn’t become waterlogged. Finally, patience. Just when you’re about to give up, your seed will germinate. Some super-hot chillies take up to 30 days to germinate.
an airtight container and label with the variety and date.” The seed will be viable for around five years. Wear gloves when processing seeds from hot varieties.
WIN! We’re giving away a Chilli Growing Kit from Livingseeds.co.za worth R550. It contains a Chilli Growing Guide, four 6-cell seedling trays, germination mix, heating pad and eight seed varieties in a range of heat levels. To enter, SMS the word CHILLIES, your name and e-mail address to 48406. Standard rates apply. See page 91 for Ts&Cs.
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AUGUST 2019 | gardenandhome.co.za
SOURCES Jane’s Delicious A – Z of Vegetables by Jane Griffiths (Sunbird Publishers, jonathanball.co.za) janesdeliciousgarden.com Livingseeds livingseeds.co.za 073 141 7101 Talborne Organics talborne.co.za 061 454 9632