So it is just a week or two since I picked the last pepper pods of 2011 and now it is time to turn my thoughts to 2012.
Over the past few years my seed box has grown and grown and rarely been cleared out as you can see. I’ve decided this is the year to throw away all my old seeds that are probably past it and grow a few varieties that I haven’t tried before.
For some reason I always end up growing a lot of habanero/scotch bonnets and Cayennes so this year I’m making a bit of effort to grow some more varieties I’ve not tried before. As a result, I’ve just purchased some seed from the excellent Simpson’s Seeds. Here are the varieties I’ve picked up:
Aji Hot
(Species: Cap Baccatum). These plants produce medium heated (short and thin) pods that look like short cayenne’s, maturing to a bright red from a pale yellow/green colour. The big things that attracted me to this Aji is that it is usually heavy yielding and can be overwintered. Hopefully these [plants will provide me with a large yield of chillies to use everyday for cooking.
Lemon Drop
(Species: Cap Baccatum). I’ve decided to grow these for their Lemony flavour. These 4cm long yellow pods should be quite a bit hotter than the Aji’s if not quite as prolific.
Rocoto Red
(Species: Cap Pubescens). These Rocoto’s produce roundish pods that aren’t that dis-similar from sweet peppers. Don’t let that deceive you though as they pack quite a punch in terms of heat. Like all Capsicum Pubescens the plants produce pretty purple coloured flowers and uniquely black seeds.
Ring of Fire
(Species: Cap Annum). Like most Annums these are easy to grow (apparently) and early fruiting. The pods are cayenne like and very hot. Hopefully I’ll have a heavy enough yield to dry them and make some paprika powder in the late summer.
Seranno
We were out for a Mexican meal at the excellent Wahaca a couple of days ago (if you fancy trying authentic Mexican food – not the usual Tex Mex rubbish, you’ll love it). As a rather nice touch they give you a little pack of Serrano chilli seeds (again i’ve not grown these before) when you pay the bill so I’ll also be giving these ago this year.
Unlike last year I intend to start a bit earlier this year by planting some seeds soon after the New Year. I’ll report back once i’ve got some seeds in the ground. What are everyone else’s plans for this years growing? Share what varieties you’re planning to grow in the comments below.