Chiles with No Heat

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Dave, I’ve been growing hot chilies for over 20 years now. This year, three varieties, ’Thai Dragon", ’Super Cayenne II’, and serrano, all have a good number of peppers coming on. The only problem is that there is NO HEAT!! None, nada, zip. What in the world is going on? The cayenne and serrano are in the ground and the …

’Facing Heaven’ Chile Substitution

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Dear Dave,You recommend piquin chilies as a substitite for the Sichuan "facing-heaven" chilies that people who’ve read Fuchsia Dunlop’s excellent Sichuan cookbook Land of Plenty frequently seek.  However, based on her description of the "facing heaven" varietypopular in Sichuan Province, the piquin is not a good choice. She specifically says that authentic "facing heaven chilies" (chao tian jiao) are not …

Thai Varieties & Gardening in Spain

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Q:  Hi Dave,I live in southern Spain and started growing a variety of chile plants outdoors.  The plants from last year are still growing and have plenty of chiles growing.  Should I remove all the fruit and cut the present plants back during the winter, or should I go ahead and plant new varieties for the coming season?  We don’t …

Artificial Light for Chiles

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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 …

Fatalii, King Pao, Yellow Mushroom & Other Misc. Chiles

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Q: Dave,I have just recently purchased the following peppers and was wondering when to plant them, how to treat them, what they will produce and any other information you may have:Fatallia Yellow MushroomKung PoaThai DragonHungarian CarrotBiker BillyThanks,Kevin A: Hello Kevin:All of these are described and shown at www.chileplants.com:’Fatallia" is really ’Fatalii’’Kung Poa’ is ’King Pao’’Yellow Mushroom’ is the same as ’Squash …