[cheshirecheese]

Thanks to everyone who helped with the variety I wanted to identify ... I've ordered the seeds and now need to know from you experienced chaps where's the best place to grow them!  There seems to be conflicting evidence in books and on the web regarding their success when grown outdoors.  I'm aiming to grow quite a few plants, and they'll be fighting for space in our greenhouse.  I'm therefore thinking of growing some in there, some in the kitchen, and trying some outside in the raised beds in the (relatively tiny) veg garden - oh for an allotment!  Anyone have any views as to what might prove to be the most successful in terms of speed to ripen but also bountiful yield? 
Any tips gratefully received - thanks 

[mattwragg94]

hmmm chilli plants can do well outside but we have to have a very good and long summer.

whas it you that has ordered the cayenne seeds? - if so you wouldn't be able to grow them on a windowsill as they grow very big (ive had them reach about 1.5m)

[JayG]

Agree with the suggestion that they need the sort of summer we haven't been having recently to do well outside, especially if you live north of Watford Gap!

Don't quite agree with not being able to grow cayenne on a windowsill - after trying several different types I've decided that cayenne are both reliable and prolific and probably are enough on their own for someone not really addicted to chillies - they don't get to much more than a metre high on my windowsill, but I suppose it ultimately depends on how big your windows are!     

[mattwragg94]

well if i was going to grow a chilli ona windowsill i would got for a more compact/bush plant, i know my mum would want a 1m high plant of any kind on her windowsill, but maybe thats just her?

[JayG]

You can pinch out the growing shoot/s when they are about a foot high to encourage them to grow more bushy (many do) or even carry out a minor operation using scissors/secateurs if you think they are getting a bit out of hand.

[mattwragg94]

never thought of that,

[sunshineband]

The best ones we have grown have been under glass tbh , as the temperature was easier to keep steadily high.

If you do have some in your raised bed, you could maybe create a cloche over them which will help