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Dragons Brew Chillies

Joyce GoldenlilyJoyce Goldenlily Posts: 2,933
in Fruit & veg
I have grown a single plant of a Devils Brew chilli. I had it in the greenhouse but as it was not setting many fruit I moved it into a sheltered corner outside so insects could find it more easily.
It now has quite a few fruit on it but they are all coloured black. I know they come in different colours but haven't found any black fruit advertised. The fruit looks healthy as does the plant so I am wondering if the fruits will eventually turn red. They start off green but soon turn black Has anyone else experience of this variety? It claims to be very hot.
I also tried a plant of the chilli Pearls which is mild and recommended for including in salads. I grew my plants from seed, there is only one fruit set on the Pearls plant and it definitely does not look like a Pearls specimen. It looks more like an ordinary sweet bell . I am begining to wonder if the seed I purchased have rogue seed included in their packets.

Posts

  • Singing GardenerSinging Gardener Posts: 1,237
    My Basket of Fire chillies turn purple before turning red so it could be similar maybe?
  • Joyce GoldenlilyJoyce Goldenlily Posts: 2,933
    Hmmm! Now how do I know if they are ready to pick? Pick one and try it I suppose. If I end up in orbit then they are ripe?
    None f my other varieties are ripe yet, as we are supposed to be having a mini heat wave next week I think I will wait until that has gone over us and then try one.
  • GardenGrower11GardenGrower11 Posts: 312
    Joyce Goldenlily said:
    I have grown a single plant of a Devils Brew chilli. I had it in the greenhouse but as it was not setting many fruit I moved it into a sheltered corner outside so insects could find it more easily.
    Chillies are largely self pollinating, don't actually need insects. There are both male and female parts within each flower. Just a breeze, tap, vibration or shake is enough for pollen to drop within the flower.
  • GardenGrower11GardenGrower11 Posts: 312
    philippasmith2 said:
    I haven't tried this one but I'd suggest that if they turn black, they won't then turn red.  The other way round is more likely I think but if they are ripe now, I'd use them :)
    Actually, there are many varieties of chillies that start, or go through a dark purple/black stage, before eventually ripening to red. For example, Pot Black, Vampire, Hungarian Black, Chenzo F1, etc.

    It's a bit trial and error, and personal taste, but some can be used at every stage, and others are best left until fully ripened.
  • Joyce GoldenlilyJoyce Goldenlily Posts: 2,933
    philippasmith2 said:
    Singing Gardener said:
    My Basket of Fire chillies turn purple before turning red so it could be similar maybe?
    That may well be my theory down the drain then  :D
    Good luck @Joyce Goldenlily - if the sky is clear for the next few nights, I'll keep an eye out for you ;)

    I will wave as I sail overhead!

  • Joyce GoldenlilyJoyce Goldenlily Posts: 2,933
    Thank you everyone. Chillies are fascinating, so much variety and flavours.

     I have bought a packet of Scotch Bonnet to put in my son in law's Christmas stocking.
    He says he like hot chillies. We shall see.

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