[ytyynycefn]

Really dozy one, this!

Are chilli plants annuals?  If brought in to a conservatory for winter, will a plant survive?

I gave my cousin one of these chilli plants by post for her birthday - went to see her at the weekend, and she asked me if it was annual - had a complete mental bolck which still has not lifted!

Cheers for any help and advice!

[Heather_S]

I thought they were annuals (because they always start dying off around now and onwards for me) but I saw 2-3 year old chili plants at a stand at Hampton Court Palace Flower Show so I guess they're perennial if you have the right conditions. Apparently I do not. I suppose it's too dark/cold as I've lost all my direct sunlight for the year behind buildings now.

[wellingtons]

... but often grown as annuals.

You need a warm, but not hot, greenhouse to keep them going from year to year.  Sometimes, it's just easier to start over again, but I have managed to keep one plant for the last 2 years.

[Aidy]

I agree with Wellingtons, over the years I have experimented over wintering them and found the second year they did'nt seem to produce the same amount or quality, that said I did keep a Bolivian Rainbow inside the house for three years and it produce all three years, so I suppose to some extent its down to the varity your growing.