Taking care of your plants

Overview

A well-known, very hot chilli producing distinctive lantern-shaped fruits with a fruity aroma. Best grown in a greenhouse or warm sheltered position to ensure full ripening. Plants benefit from regular feeding and consistent watering. Use sparingly in Caribbean-style dishes, jerk marinades, hot sauces and curries. A little goes a long way.

• Vegetable Type: Chilli Pepper Scotch Bonnet
• Key Characteristic: Very hot, fruity chillies ideal for Caribbean-style cooking and homemade hot sauces.
• Hardiness: Tender annual (protect young plants from frost).

PLANTING ADVICE

Plant in rich, well-drained compost. Best grown in large pots or grow bags in a greenhouse or sunny patio spot. Can be planted in the ground in a very warm, sheltered position.

• Outdoor cultivation

Grow outdoors only in a warm, sheltered, frost-free position from late spring to early autumn. Protect from cold nights.

• Greenhouse cultivation

Well suited to greenhouse cultivation. Maintain warmth, ventilation and regular feeding for best yields.

CARE & HARVEST

Keep soil moist and weed free. Feed weekly once flowers appear using a high-potash fertiliser. Remove any damaged leaves to improve airflow and check plants regularly for pests. Harvest fruits promptly to encourage further cropping.

• Watering: Water regularly and consistently, keeping compost moist but not waterlogged. Avoid letting plants dry out during flowering and fruiting as this can reduce yields.
• Feeding: Feed weekly with a high-potash liquid fertiliser once flowering begins to support fruit production.
• Cutting and prunning: Remove any damaged leaves and excess growth to improve airflow.
• Harvesting: Pick once fruits reach full size and colour. Regular harvesting encourages the plant to produce more chillies.
• Pest and diseases: Check regularly for aphids and red spider mite, especially under glass.

VERVE RECOMMENDS...

• Pinch out the first flowers to help young plants build strength before heavy fruiting.