Q: Dave:I love the smoky flavor of the chipotle, but don’t care for the heat–even when I remove the seeds, it’s still too hot. Can you suggest an alternative that will give me the great flavor?Thank you, Sandi A: Hello Sandi:Unfortunately for you, all of the smoked chiles are pretty hot. Here are some hints for toning down the heat:–Using the …
Are Ornamental Chillis Edible?
Q: Hello Dave,We just bought an ’ornamental chilli’ but were told that the chillis are not to be eaten. Is this true? They look so yummy. They are three different colors–red, orange and creamy white. Kind regards, Janet A: Hello Janet:All chillis, chiles, or chilis of any kind, including ornamentals, are edible. I don’t where the rumor started that the ornamental …
In Search of Ulipica Seeds
Q: Hello Dave,Do you know where I can get seeds for an Ulipica pepper? I’ve heard that they beat a habanero hands down, and would like to try and grow some of them in my garden. Thanks, Rich A: Hello Rich:It is doubtful that the Ulupica, thought to be Capsicum eximium, a wild species, is hotter than the habanero. It is …
Artificial Light for Chiles
Q: Dave,I have 3 potted jalapeño plants that are producing pretty well. I plan on keeping them indoors over the winter to see if I can sustain a year-round supply of peppers. What type of light bulb is required and at what wattage? I have been told that a black light will provide the UV rays but they are generally …
Spider Mites
Q: Hi DaveI have noticed what looks like small spiders’ webs on parts of one of my plants. I can’t see any bugs near them and was wondering what this is. Also, I contacted Seed Savers in search of Congo seeds, but no luck there. They say that they don’t and won’t have any. I did, however, find out that …