Growing Chillies

olly300

elsien wrote: »

I've just bought a chilli plant (reduced from local nursery, just can't resist a bargain) but it says to keep in a greenhouse, which I don't have!
The back yard is fairly sheltered and sunny, what are my chances of it producing anything?

Good as they are outside. Even better if you can put some flowers like marigolds near them as this encourages pollinating insects to come by.

Even if you grow them inside without pollination you will get a crop but your crop won't be as big. Chilli plants are perennials in their native countries which is why you can overwinter them in the warmth. It doesn't even have to be that warm all the time just frost free. Though if it is you do get chilli in the winter.

Primrose

In my experience chillies seem to be mostly self pollinating. But if they're in a situation where there arn't likely to be many insects around to help, I don't bother with pollinating with a tiny brush. I just lightly put my little finger in the flower and very gently then transfer it for a moment into the next open flower. Seems to work.