Chilli Growers Guide: Heat, History, & How to Grow them successfully!

Chilies and Gardening Insights

Introduction to Chilies

• The discussion begins with a variety of chili names, highlighting their diversity: Chinese dragon tongue, Zimbabwe black, Hungarian hot wax, Armageddon, turtleclaw, ricoto, buena mulata.

• Chilies evolved their spiciness as a defense mechanism against mammals that might consume them. This adaptation allows them to survive and thrive in various environments.

Podcast Overview

• Jamie Walton (Nettles and Petals) and Martha Wales (Mar's Kitchen Garden) introduce the podcast "Homegrown," focusing on gardening tips and plant-related discussions.

• The episode promises insights into growing perfect peppers, feeding chilies to parrots, and tea recommendations for chili sowing.

Sponsorship Announcement

• The podcast is sponsored by She Grows Veg, a seed company offering heirloom vegetable seeds with a discount for listeners using the code "homegrown."

Seasonal Reflections

• Jamie mentions that January feels bureaucratic regarding the New Year; many cultures historically celebrate it in March instead. This perspective can alleviate pressure for gardeners feeling behind at the start of the year.

• Both hosts share personal experiences about their gardens being unkempt during winter months but emphasize that it's normal not to be on top of garden maintenance at this time.

Personal Anecdotes

• Martha shares her birthday experience where her girlfriend surprised her with a trip to Brussels and Bruges without revealing the destination until they were on their way. This adds a personal touch to the conversation about surprises in life and relationships.

Seed of the Week Segment Introduction

• A new segment called "Seed of the Week" is introduced as they enter sewing season; it aims to encourage listeners to start planting seeds as spring approaches. Each week will feature different types of seeds suitable for growing during this period.

Chili Planting Tips and Insights

Importance of Starting Chili Seeds Early

• The episode focuses on chilies, emphasizing their significance as a long-season crop that should be started in late January to ensure a fruitful harvest.

• Starting chili seeds early is crucial; otherwise, gardeners risk not having any peppers by the end of the season due to climate variations.

• If planted too late (e.g., March or April), there may be insufficient time for the plants to produce fruit, highlighting the importance of timing in gardening.

Recommended Variety: Zimbabwe Black

• The featured variety this week is Zimbabwe Black, which has been grown by one participant for about 10 years.

• This chili plant is noted for its aesthetic appeal with dark purple leaves and tiny flowers, producing small black chilies that ripen to red.

• The plant's resilience is highlighted through an anecdote about a gardener who successfully kept it alive for five years.

Seed Availability and Growing Techniques

• Listeners are encouraged to check out "She Grows Veg" for weekly seed recommendations, including other attractive chili varieties.

Fact or Fiction Segment: Plant Interactions

• A game segment introduces two statements regarding plant interactions: one about tobacco plants increasing nicotine production in nearby nightshade plants and another about wild nightshades increasing toxin levels only in damaged leaves.

• Discussion revolves around whether nicotine can be produced by tomatoes through shared fungal networks, showcasing the complexity of plant interactions.

Overview of Capsicum Species Groups

• All chilies belong to the genus Capsicum, with five main species groups discussed:

• Capsicum Annuum: Includes sweet peppers and jalapenos.

• Capsicum Chinense: Contains some of the hottest peppers like habaneros and ghost chilies; misnamed due to historical misunderstandings.

• Capsicum Baccatum: Known for fruity flavors; includes varieties like agi amarillo and lemon drop.

• Capsicum Frutescens: Features small hot chilies such as piri piri and tabasco.

This structured overview captures essential insights from the transcript while providing timestamps for easy reference.

Growing and Understanding Chilies

Introduction to Perry Perry and Capsicum Pubescens

• Perry Perry: A popular condiment originating from Mozambique, known for its heat.

• Capsicum Pubescens: Named for its hairy appearance; hardy chili varieties like Ricoto and Manzano thrive in cooler climates.

Growing Chilies

• Chili Enthusiasm: Chilies attract dedicated growers who often have greenhouses; they can also be a beginner's plant due to easy seed kits.

• Challenges of Growing: It can be difficult to grow chilies successfully without extensive setups, especially for casual gardeners.

Tips for Successful Seed Sowing

• Early Sowing: Starting seeds early is crucial; using chamomile tea can enhance germination by softening seed coats and preventing mold.

• Preparation Method: Drink chamomile tea the night before sowing, then use a cooled solution to soak seeds for 3 to 6 hours before planting.

Optimal Conditions for Germination

• Indoor Sowing Considerations: Low light conditions in winter necessitate careful planning; heated propagators are recommended for better results.

• Heated Propagator Benefits: These devices maintain warmth (18-20°C), significantly improving germination rates compared to cooler environments.

Managing Light and Humidity

• Light Requirements: Chili seeds benefit from increased light levels starting in February, making it a more favorable time for sowing on window sills.

• Humidity Control: Using a propagator helps maintain humidity, which is vital during the initial growth stages of seedlings.

Budget-Friendly Alternatives

• Cost-effective Solutions: For those on a budget, placing seedlings near radiators with glass covers or sandwich bags can help retain moisture until germination occurs.

Seed Starting Techniques and Tips

Choosing the Right Containers for Seed Sowing

• Discusses using reusable silicone sandwich bags or pots to prevent drying out seeds during germination.

• Mentions sewing seeds in soil blocks, modules, or pots, emphasizing the importance of depth relative to seed size.

Soil Mix Considerations

• Shares experiences with different soil mixes; prefers multi-purpose compost for outdoor plants and good seed compost for indoor use.

• Highlights challenges in finding quality compost and suggests mixing in coconut coir or vermiculite if necessary.

Enhancing Sustainability and Reducing Fungal Issues

• Introduces wool as a sustainable addition to compost; uses vermiculite on top to mitigate fungal problems with small seeds.

Utilizing Grow Lights for Optimal Growth

• Recommends using heated propagators with lights for better seedling growth; shares personal experience with panel lights that illuminate spaces significantly.

• Describes a situation where LED grow lights caused confusion among locals due to their bright pink hue used in a football stadium.

Managing Space During Seedling Growth

• Talks about setting up grow lights at home and successfully growing houseplants under them, including precious cactus cuttings.

• Notes the excitement of seeing seedlings emerge but acknowledges space constraints as more seeds are sown over time.

Practical Advice on Planting Quantities

• Advises against sowing too many seeds due to limited space; suggests starting with fewer chili plants while considering backups.

• Encourages sharing excess plants with others, such as giving tomato plants away, while also mentioning the option of purchasing established plants from specialists.

Chili Plant Care and Overwintering Techniques

Discovering Unique Chili Varieties

• The speaker shares their experience of purchasing mature chili plants, highlighting a favorite variety called "turtle claw," which is described as fruity and similar to habaneros but with a unique shape.

• They emphasize that if one hasn't sown chilies by April or May, it's advisable to buy mature plants instead, which are widely available online and in garden centers.

Perennial Nature of Chili Plants

• In the UK, chili plants are often treated as annuals; however, they can be perennial and may produce fruit for several years if properly cared for.

• Keeping chili plants indoors in a warm environment can lead to better growth over time, potentially lasting up to seven years.

Personal Experiences with Overwintering Chilies

• The speaker discusses their first successful attempt at overwintering chilies, sharing tips on pruning and caring for them during colder months.

• After initially neglecting the plants during winter, they were surprised to find some still alive after cold weather hit in November.

Challenges Faced During Overwintering

• Upon bringing the chilies indoors, the speaker encountered aphid infestations. They share their method of washing leaves under water to manage this issue.

• Noticing that dry conditions contribute to aphid problems, they stress the importance of maintaining moisture levels in plant care.

Insights on Pruning and Plant Growth

• The speaker expresses excitement about their revived chili plants that are showing signs of new growth and potential flowering soon.

• They discuss common advice regarding topping chili plants for bushier growth versus leaving them untrimmed; personal trials suggest that untrimmed plants may yield more fruit.

Chili Planting Techniques and Insights

Pruning and Topping Chili Plants

• Smaller chili varieties can benefit from pruning, allowing them to branch out into bushier plants. In contrast, taller chili plants may produce less fruit when topped.

• Larger chilies require more space and airflow; therefore, it is advised not to top them. Small chilies can be topped for better growth results.

• Topping involves cutting off the top after the first set of true leaves, which encourages two side shoots instead of one main stem, differing from tomato cordon techniques.

Growth Dynamics of Chili Plants

• Cutting off parts of a plant generally stimulates side shoot production. This principle applies to various plants but has different outcomes for chilies compared to tomatoes.

• The size of the pot influences the growth size of chili plants; they tend to grow according to their container's dimensions.

Flower Management in Chili Cultivation

• Removing early flowers can redirect a plant's energy towards strengthening itself rather than premature fruit production. This technique has shown success with cucumbers and could be tested on chilies as well.

• Similar strategies are applied with courgettes (zucchini), where removing flowers helps manage stress-induced flowering due to root-bound conditions.

Optimal Growing Conditions for Chilies

• Acclimatizing chili plants outdoors is essential once temperatures rise sufficiently. The speaker prefers growing chilies indoors or in warm window boxes in London.

• A south-facing garden with minimal wind exposure provides an ideal environment for growing chili pots outdoors.

Varieties and Unique Characteristics

• The speaker expresses interest in trying a ricoto pepper variety known for its adaptability to cooler climates and perennial nature.

• Chinese dragon tongue peppers are highlighted as visually appealing, while Buena Mulata offers beautiful color transitions during ripening stages.

Culinary Uses of Different Chili Varieties

• Hungarian hot wax peppers are favored for cooking due to their fleshy texture; they are roasted whole before being blended into sauces, showcasing their versatility in culinary applications.

Chili Heat and Its Measurement

Personal Preferences for Spicy Foods

• The speaker enjoys spicy foods, particularly those that are fruity, like habanero chili sauces, but does not consider themselves a "chili head."

• They have filmed various chili eating competitions, including one featuring James Wong and the late Michael Mosley.

Observations from Chili Eating Competitions

• Notably, women often win chili eating competitions, suggesting they may handle heat better than men.

Understanding the Scoville Scale

• The Scoville scale measures chili heat based on how much it needs to be diluted in sugary water until the spiciness is undetectable.

• A higher number on the Scoville scale indicates more dilution required; for example, 5,000 means 5,000 parts water to one part chili.

Capsaicin: The Source of Heat

• Capsaicin is the compound responsible for spiciness in chilies. Sweet peppers lack this due to a recessive gene.

• Contrary to popular belief, capsaicin is concentrated in the white placenta of chilies rather than in the seeds.

Tips for Handling Chilies

• To reduce spiciness when preparing chilies, focus on removing the white inner part instead of just the seeds.

• Testing a small piece of a chili can help gauge its heat level before consuming larger amounts.

Cultivation and History of Chilies

Growing Conditions for Spicy Chilies

• Stressful growing conditions (like limited watering or nutrients) can lead to spicier fruit as plants produce more under stress.

Historical Context of Chili Use

• Chilies were likely cultivated around 7,000 years ago in Mesoamerica; wild varieties have been used by humans for up to 10,000 years.

Differences Between Wild and Cultivated Chilies

• Wild chilies drop off their plants when ripe while cultivated ones remain attached until picked or dried out.

The Role of Birds in Chili Propagation

Birds vs. Mammals: Who Eats Chilies?

• Birds eat chilies without experiencing capsaicin burn due to lacking receptors for it; this allows them to disperse seeds effectively through their droppings.

Evolutionary Purpose of Chili Spiciness

• The spiciness evolved as a defense mechanism against mammals that would chew and destroy seeds while allowing birds to consume them whole.

Chili Peppers: Pain Relief and Cultural Impact

The Mechanism of Chili Peppers in Pain Relief

• Chili peppers trick the brain into perceiving a burning sensation without causing actual damage, activating the body's cooling mechanisms, such as sweating.

• They deplete nerve cells of substance P, leading to reduced pain perception as these depleted cells cannot continuously fire signals.

• Despite the initial pain sensation from chilies, they also trigger endorphin release, creating a powerful physical response that has been utilized for various remedies throughout history.

Historical Context and Global Spread of Chilies

• Chilies were introduced globally by the Spanish and Portuguese after their arrival in South America, significantly impacting culinary practices worldwide.

• Before chilies arrived in India during the 15th century, black pepper was primarily used as a hot spice; chilies quickly became popular for their spiciness.

• Although widely associated with Asian cuisine today, chilies originated from Central and South America and have been domesticated multiple times due to their popularity.

Fun Facts and Listener Engagement

• Discussion on plant defense responses reveals that nightshades can localize toxins to conserve energy; however, microisal networks do not transfer alkaloids between plants.

• Acknowledgment of listener engagement through messages about chili varieties being grown; highlights community involvement in gardening discussions.

International Gardening Insights

• A listener from Sacramento shares experiences growing vegetables like melons and tomatoes in a Mediterranean climate with extreme temperatures.

• The listener mentions cultivating unique peanut varieties with black skin sourced from True Love Seeds, showcasing diverse gardening practices across different climates.

Homegrown Episode Summary - Exploring Unique Fruits and Gardening Tips

Discussion on Unique Plants

• The conversation highlights the Fija plant, which is related to the strawberry myrtle. It has a sherbety flavor that kiwis enjoy, and it originates from South Africa. The speaker mentions having a Fija in their garden and successfully harvesting fruit for the first time last year.

• A mention of the Chilean guava as another interesting fruit bush is made. Listeners are encouraged to check out an Instagram clip and an episode featuring James Wong for more information about this delicious plant.

Engagement with Audience

• The hosts invite listeners to connect via their new email address, hello@homegrownpod.com, expressing enthusiasm for audience interaction. They reassure that previous emails sent to an old address will still be received.

Upcoming Content Teaser

• The episode concludes with a teaser about next week's content focused on gardening preparations for February, coinciding with one host's birthday month. This adds a personal touch to the discussion, enhancing listener engagement through shared experiences.