Growing with Gusto

Growing with “Gusto”

There are new additions to our range for 2025 alongside our favourites. My little windowsill propagator has a tiny selection of the possible 2000 cultivars of chilli peppers. This year I’m avoiding Armageddon whilst aiming for the Sweet Afterglow from a Basket of Fire. I love citrus flavours so trying Hot Lemon (plus Sweet Tangerine Dream though it’s not a chilli). And dependable Jalapeno.

Choosing a variety or cultivar depends on culinary use and your requirement for heat. In culinary use, Chili Peppers can be roughly grouped as mild (0 – 2500 SHU), medium (2500 – 30000 SHU), hot (30,000 – 100,000 SHU) and superhot. SHU or Scoville Heat Units are a measure of the level of capsaicin in that chilli variety. Capsaicin, a natural neurotoxin. is the pungent chemical used in its purest form in pepper spray. Flavours vary too, spicy, smoky or fruity.

The fruits come in various colours, different shapes and sizes, heat and those flavours. Their growing habit varies too, some are suitable as pot plants, others are bushy or require staking to support the tall stems as the fruits develop. Easy to grow, most chilli peppers need warmth to start germination and some may be slow to germinate depending on light levels, temperature and humidity so be patient.