Chilli Large Red Cherry

Chilli Large Red Cherry certainly ripens to a full, glowing cherry-red. Large is a bit more up for discussion! The plants aren’t huge and the rounded cherry-like fruits reach up to perhaps 3cm across. They have thick, fleshy walls and a relatively mild chilli heat, making them particularly good for stuffing, pickling or eating fresh. 2,500 to 5,000 SHU

Sow: from February to May, indoors in warm, moist seed compost. Sow no more than 5mm deep and keep at 21-24˚C. At the 2-3 leaf stage pot up to 7cm pots and grow on.

Grow: wait until June before moving plants outside, hardening them off first, and choose a sunny, sheltered position. Alternatively grow them in a greenhouse or conservatory. Allow the compost surface to dry between waterings, and once the first flowers appear, feed weekly.  Pinching out the growing tip will encourage an even bushier plant.  Plants grow to around 60-80cm tall.

Enjoy: the thick walls make these little chillies just right for stuffing with soft cheese, or simply slice them into salads when you want a bit of warmth without taking your head off!

They're also cracking little chillies for refrigerator pickles. They're also cracking little chillies for refrigerator pickles. A simple vinegar brine with a little sugar and salt works beautifully, and you can add garlic, mustard seed, fennel or bay to play with the flavour. Give them about a week in the fridge before you start tucking in.