Bishy Barnabees Cottage Garden
Kilian Chilli
- Regular price
-
£1.99 - Regular price
-
- Sale price
-
£1.99
The Kilian Chilli is a distinct cultivar of Capsicum annuum, the most widely cultivated chilli species globally. While specific detailed historical records for "Kilian" may be less widely publicised than for some older landraces, it is a well-established and popular variety, likely developed through careful selection for traits like reliability, good yield, and consistent heat. It embodies the best characteristics of the Capsicum annuum family, offering a straightforward growing experience and versatile culinary uses, making it a dependable choice for growers across various climates.
| Quantity of Seeds | 10 seeds per packet |
| Origin | India |
| Genus | Capsicum annuum |
| Scoville Rating/Heat Level | The Kilian Chilli delivers a pleasant and noticeable level of heat that is approachable for most palates. It typically registers between 10,000 to 30,000 Scoville Heat Units (SHU). This places it in the mild-to-medium hot category, similar to a stronger serrano or a mild cayenne pepper. The heat is direct and clean, providing a satisfying warmth that enhances rather than overwhelms other flavours. It's perfect for adding a consistent kick to everyday cooking without discomfort. |
| Plant Size | The Kilian plant is a vigorous and highly productive grower, generally reaching a height of 60-90 cm (24-36 inches). It develops a sturdy, upright, and bushy habit, supporting a generous amount of fruit. It's known for its excellent yield, with pods often clustering. |
| Pod Size | The pods themselves are classic in appearance: long, slender, and slightly tapered to a point, typically measuring 10-15 cm (4-6 inches) in length and about 1.5-2.5 cm (0.6-1 inch) in diameter. They ripen from a bright green to a glossy, vibrant deep red when fully mature, creating an attractive contrast against the green foliage. |
| Flavour | Kilian Chilli boasts a clean, classic "pepper" flavour. It has a fresh, bright, and slightly peppery taste with a mild, underlying sweetness that becomes more apparent as the pods ripen to red. It lacks strong smoky, earthy, or fruity notes, allowing its pure chilli essence to shine through. This versatile flavour makes it an excellent all-rounder for slicing fresh into salads, stir-fries, and salsas, dicing into sauces and stews, or for drying to create vibrant red chilli flakes or powder. Its robust taste holds up well to cooking. |
| Growing Conditions |
Use a light, well-draining seed-starting mix. Sow seeds ¼ inch (0.6 cm) deep. Sow seeds indoors 8–10 weeks before the last frost date. Optimal soil temperature: 26–32°C (80–90°F); using a heat mat is strongly recommended for Capsicum chinense varieties. Maintain high humidity by covering trays with a plastic dome or plastic wrap. Provide 12–16 hours of light per day, ideally with grow lights. Transplant seedlings outdoors when they have 4–6 true leaves and nighttime temperatures consistently stay above 15°C (59°F). Harden plants off for 7–10 days before moving them outside. Space plants 50–60 cm (20–24 inches) apart in rows 70–90 cm (28–36 inches) apart. Feed every 3–4 weeks with a balanced fertilizer (10-10-10) or switch to a high-potassium fertilizer once plants begin to flower and set fruit. |
All plants are grown on our farm in Norfolk, UK and are grown in an open pollinated area.
Couldn't load pickup availability
