If you’re a keen gardener & enjoy growing your own vegetables, then why not spice up your garden with some of the hottest chillies around? Chillies come in all shapes & sizes & can add a fiery kick to your cooking. Whether you’re a newbie or a seasoned gardener, our list of favourite chillies to grow is sure to inspire & excite you. From mild to scorching hot, there’s a chilli for everyone to grow.
Jalapeno: A popular chilli amongst gardeners, they are perfect for making homemade salsa or stuffing with cream cheese. These chillis are relatively easy to grow & prefer a warm climate. Keep in mind that Jalapenos can take up to 80 days to mature, so plant them in early spring for a late summer harvest.
Habanero: Known for their intense heat, Habaneros are not for the faint of heart. These chillies require plenty of heat & sunlight to grow & can take up to 100 days to mature. Use gloves when handling these chillies & add them to your favourite hot sauce or Mexican dishes for an extra kick.
Poblano: With a mild to medium heat, Poblanos are perfect for stuffing or roasting. These chillies can be harvested in just 60 days & prefer a slightly cooler climate. They’re great for making chilli rellenos, as well as adding to stews & soups.
Anaheim: Similar to Poblanos, Anaheim chillies have a mild to medium heat & can be used in a variety of dishes such as stir fry, stews, & salads. These chillies prefer a warm climate & can be harvested in just 60-75 days.
Ghost Pepper: Also known as Bhut Jolokia, Ghost Peppers are one of the hottest chillies in the world. These chillies require plenty of sunlight & heat to grow & can take up to 150 days to mature. Use caution when handling & use these chillies sparingly in your cooking.
Thai: Known for their fiery heat, Thai chillies are perfect for adding to stir fry, curries & soups. These chillies prefer a humid, warm climate & can be harvested in just 50-60 days.
Cayenne: Cayenne chillies are great for making hot sauce, as well as adding to soups, stews & marinades. These chillies prefer a warm climate & can be harvested in just 70-80 days.
Serrano: Similar to Jalapenos, Serrano chillies have a medium heat & are perfect for making salsa & guacamole. These chillies prefer a warm climate & can be harvested in just 70-80 days.
Fresno: With a similar heat to Jalapenos, Fresno chillies are great for making hot sauce, pickling & adding to salads. These chillies prefer a warm climate & can be harvested in just 75-85 days.
Scotch Bonnet: Similar in heat to Habaneros, Scotch Bonnet chillies are great for making Caribbean-style dishes such as jerk chicken. These chillies prefer a warm, humid climate & can take up to 120 days to mature.
Whether you’re a fan of mild or scorching hot chillies, growing your own is a great way to add some spice & flavour to your cooking. Just remember to handle these hot little peppers with care & enjoy the fruits of your labour!