Chillies 2023

There is a timer and also a remote control on mine, but I just switch it on when I get up in the morning and turn it off last thing at night. (I've edited to add a photo because I don't know if the one now on eBay has all this gubbins. Mine plugs in via USB and came with an EU charger plug, so a UK charger plug is also needed.)

Further edit. No remote control with the one I screenshot, but then again, I don't bother using it.

 

My garage grow area with lights and two heat mats can only maintain 18c at the moment and also I managed to let the compost dry out. So I only have a few seedlings. At least I started early so there is plenty of time to make new sowings if needed.

Also my overwintered plants are now putting out new shoots with the lengthening daylight. They are in my south facing sun room right next to the window so are in a fairly cool position, it gets down to about 10c if we have a frost and high teens during the day

 

Just one overwintering survivor this year. Numex Suave Red.

 

Just ordered some Allepo chilli seeds, not too hot so I'm told.

 

Apparently, hot ones are quite easy, but sweet ones are trickier. My longest lived one was a dwarf sweet called Redskin F1. I had it for three seasons!

 

Some do better than others, locotos/rocotos can live for 15 years apparently! I think any that have long seasons are worth trying to overwinter

@pete I grew allepos before, they are a nice flavoursome pepper, they dehydrate well and make a great paprika with a touch of heat

 

I tried to keep 6 of my super hots indoors over the winter. As I did last year.
But for some reason, 4 have died already. (incl Carolina Reaper). Not sure why.
But doubt I will bother with this next season

 

My Sansi light update. So pepper seedlings getting first proper leaves sowed on 13th jan, but are turning purple on the edges of the leaves.
Looks like lights are too bright.
Gone back to 30w led shop light for the next week or two. Will use the Sansi when ive rigged up a grow tent for the peppers. The lights give off some heat so the seedlings will be fine temp wise. All good.

 

Part of me is still kicking myself for not grabbing a Sansi (or two), but I was struggling to work out how and where to suspend it, given my available space. Instead, I've ordered this one, which will screw into the old gooseneck floor lamp I use for young plants once they are off the heat.

 

The light was sitting on a wire mesh which is sitting on the edges of a polystyrene box .
Box keeps the heat in and also most ofvthe light i think.
Will be wrapping a small blow away type mini greenhouse in the silver emergency blanket with the Sansi light in it. Should be ok again.

 

I've had to re-do half my peppers. Never known such patchy germination. All fresh seeds, too. I've broken out a couple of old reliables (Mini Bell Chocolate and seed from a yellow Lidl Snack Pepper) as back-up.