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Chillies: Difference between revisions
→Growing chillies
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=== Germination === | === Germination === | ||
The most effective method for germinating chilli seeds in Ireland is the wet paper towel method. | The most effective method for germinating chilli seeds in Ireland is the wet paper towel method. Do this in mid-Spring so that they begin to grow in time for the rest of the season. | ||
* Fold up a few layers of kitchen towel and wet it under a tap. Wring it out so it's not too wet. | * Fold up a few layers of kitchen towel and wet it under a tap. Wring it out so it's not too wet. | ||
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* Put the seeds and towel into a ziplock sandwich bag, and put into a hotpress. | * Put the seeds and towel into a ziplock sandwich bag, and put into a hotpress. | ||
* After 10-14 days, the seeds will have grown a taproot big enough for transplanting into a propagator. | * After 10-14 days, the seeds will have grown a taproot big enough for transplanting into a propagator. | ||
=== Growing === | |||
You need to keep chilli plants in warm environment to promote growth. This can be a greenhouse or a south-facing window. In around early April, transplant the seedlings into a propagator or a pot covered in clingfilm. The compost should not be too wet. When the plants grow their second set of leaves you can take them out of the propagator (or remove the clingfilm) and let them continue to grow in the greenhouse or window. | |||
Chillies like to be treated mean: don't overwater and don't use any plantfood. This will allow the heat to build up much better. | |||
If there are a lot of leaves on the plant and very few chillies, snip off a few leaves. This will allow the nutrients in the plant to go towards growing the chillies. | |||
=== Harvesting === | |||
This is best done in late summer/early autumn. The chillies can be red or green when harvested, it's entirely up to you (and up to whatever the plant produces!). They can be used fresh, dried, or frozen. | |||
== Chilli peppers for culinary use == | == Chilli peppers for culinary use == | ||