[rugbymad40]

I have purchased 7 packets of seeds - all different varieties of chilli's for next year.  They are maily from T & M and Sutton, but who else offers chilli plant seeds and how many varieties can be grown in th UK?

Where else can I look - I don't want to purchase plants, just seeds.

Also has anyone any advice on over wintering chilli plants as I understand this is possible.

Over to you the on-line experts.

Ian

[Faz]

There's loads of varieties of chili seeds available on EBay, some are expensive some are more reasonable in price.

As for overwintering, I think you just cut them back to approx a 3rd of their original size and keep them fairly dry over the winter. This is what my colleague did this year and his Cayennes produced roughly 6 weeks earlier than the ones i grew from seed.

As long as I have the space this year I shall be doing the same myself.

[poodle]

Kings have a few varieties. I have grown hungarian wax this year and have a very good crop which a just ripening. The 'fruits' are a very good size and pretty hot  

[SG6]

http://www.g6csy.net/chile/

Click on the suppliers list on the left.
Also what to do with them when you harvest.

[Martin]

Real Seeds have a good selection here.

[Ivah]

Lots to choose from. I get the bulk of my vegetable seeds from http://www.wallis-seeds.co.uk/ and they have about 20 Chillies. Simply Vegetables http://www.plantsofdistinction.co.uk/ are a bit more specialised and have around 50 with http://www.simpsonsseeds.co.uk/ being even more serious at about 90. You just have to decide if you want head blowing Habanero types, slightly less daunting long and thin like Cayenne or fleshy Jalapeno types. A fairly mild one that we like for the novel shape of the fruit is Friars Hat. Never tried over wintering so can't help you on that front.

[mumofstig]

Here's an old thread about overwintering chillies

http://chat.allotment-garden.org/index.php?topic=25925.msg306912#msg306912

[AdrianH]

I (and many folk from a number of specialist chilli forums in the UK) recommend

http://www.rainbowchiliseeds.com/

Although based in the USA, they send seeds over quickly. 100s of varieties. Prices are good with the current exchange rate and Wally nearly always throws in a few packets of free seeds as well.

[rugbymad40]

Thanks to everyone who has given advice.  Will be spending time now doing some serious research.

For anyone else interested in chillis have you heard about the chilli festival at West Dean Gardens?  I have been recommended to attend - sadly missed this years event as it was last weekend!

Rugbymad40

[SG6]

Westdean is probably the biggest one, at least in the south. There is one in Cumbria but no idea on the size.

Apparently one at Hyde Hall, just not sure when, was told about it the other day.

If you go to Westdean plan on a day out, take food/drink, whatever else you may want. You can buy food, lots of food is there, but as with most events the cost adds up. Oh yes and lots of money to buy everything you want/see. If you like chilli sauces then you will be in heavan, ever tried Dragons Blood?

If the weather is fine Westdean is a good day out. If you grow veg then the walled garden is worth a look at. No idea how they grow their stuff that big. Lots of veg to see and get ideas from. They have entertainment thrown on throughout the day as well.

When you park remember where you put the car!!!