The chillihouse doors are now kept closed most nights and many days to help the remaining pods ripen. With winter approaching, here’s an update on this year’s crop and how the plants have performed.
Of all the varieties I grew this season, the Serranos grown from the free Wahaca seed were the biggest disappointment. The seeds were free and likely not horticultural grade, but the plants that survived showed stunted growth and produced very few pods. Below are the two closest to ripening.
The Speedball, a variety I hadn’t grown before, is covered in pods that are just beginning to ripen. I’m hopeful this will finally deliver a heavy harvest.
Poor early spring and inconsistent summer weather slowed growth across the board, and some of my super-hot varieties still haven’t set ripe pods. The Trinidad Scorpion Moruga (Capsicum chinense) has produced a few promising pods, but I’m unsure if they’ll fully ripen before the cold sets in. I plan to overwinter this plant to improve its yield next year.
On the brighter side, the Aji Hots and Super Chilli F1s continue to produce reliably, adding steady color and heat to the crop.
With the season winding down I’m already considering next year’s line-up and which varieties to try. I’m also planning to train my three-year-old Scotch Bonnet into a bonsai form during the off-season. Fingers crossed for a few warmer weeks to help these remaining pods ripen.