The slender, 8-10cm long fruit undergoes a remarkable chameleon-like colour transition, starting a beautiful violet hue, morphing to dusky peach and then maturing to red. The fruits can be used at any stage and are mild and sweet when purple. When in their mature, deep red stage, they develop a sweet, cayenne-like heat but with a fruitier punch, registering between 30,000 to 50,000 on the Scoville Scale. A highly productive plant which looks wonderful when packed with pods in their various colour stages. Maximum height: 60cm-90cm (24-35"). Spread: 60-70cm (24"-27").
How to Grow
Chilli peppers may be grown undercover in a greenhouse or polytunnel, or grown outdoors in a sheltered position in full sun. Pot up young plants and grow them on in warm frost free conditions. When plants are well grown transplant them into grow bags and containers, or plant them in well prepared beds of fertile, well drained soil. When growing chilli peppers outdoors, gradually acclimatise them to outdoor conditions over a period of 7 to 10 days prior to transplanting them. Space pepper plants at a distance of 50cm (20") apart.
More Info
Water chilli pepper plants regularly throughout the growing season and feed weekly with a high potash tomato fertiliser once the first fruits have set. Taller varieties of chilli peppers may require staking. Provide a thick mulch of organic matter around the base of the plants to help conserve moisture and reduce weed growth. In greenhouses, maintain high humidity by damping down paths daily. Harvest chillies singly by cutting them from the plant with secateurs or pull the entire plant when full of red peppers, and hang upside down in the kitchen for use all year round. Chilli peppers grown outdoors must be harvested before the first frosts.
