Where do peeps get their chilli seeds from?

Last year I bought seeds online from two sources - The South Devon Chili Farm, who I thought would be good as they are specialists, and the Real Seed Company, who I've always bought a lot of my veg seeds from and been very happy with.

I have to say I was very disappointed with the former - there were 2 particular varieties that I wanted that they seemed to be the only source for, but they have a minimum order so I ended up having to buy 2 other varieties that I didn't really want as well to make up the value. The germination rate of the seeds I really wanted was very poor (Padron peppers, only 7 out of a pack of 20 seeds actually germinated, and Serrano chillies also very low germination). The others were OK, but it was still a black mark for me as I hadn't really wanted the others anyway! They also failed to respond to emails I sent them before ordering looking for info about some of the varieties. So I wouldn't order from them again.

However, the seeds I bought from Real Seeds, as always, were top rate. I bought Aji Limon (also cheaper than at South Devon Chilli Co) and Basque. All those planted germinated, and did really well. I'd really recommend the Basque chillies by the way - they are better suited to cooler climates and I grew them very successfully outside. In Norfolk you may still need some cover, but you might still get away with a sheltered spot if we have a warm summer. They cannot legally call them Piment d'Espelette as that name is protected with an AOC designation, but they are essentially the same thing (I emailed them, and they did respond and more or less confirmed this - as far as they could without breaching any legal stuff!). Since Espelette pepper costs a bomb, I thought I'd try them. They were very prolific - we used some fresh, but most I strung up and dried and then ground in the spice grinder. Really good, a bit like Aleppo pepper if you've ever had that? Highly recommended, and also nice to give the strings of dried peppers as presents.

I'd love to receive a gorgeous string of dried peppers, Yasminh14 as a pressie - just don't know anyone, (obviously you grapes..) other than myself, who grows chillis!!

There are some Espalette seeds in the VSP, saved by Nicos

I really like seaspring seeds, nice company, good videos on youtube and very helpfull

I haven't bought many chilli seeds I usually swap to get what I want. I did buy "royal black" and had 2 out of 4 seeds germinate, the rest of the chillies ive grown this year were from seed circles from previous years and ive had some grapes send me some of their extras.
I dug deep in my seed collection and tried to get rid of the lot as they were getting a little dated....surprisingly the old seed that I'd had for a couple of years self saved by grapes mostly all germinated well. The new seeds were even better. Sparrows Padron I had 100% germination.

NG, I'm hoping our chilli seed circle is going to be very interesting this year You may need to think of buying something else instead.

I was looking at the overwintering thread (as mine have all given up) and after seeing and gurgling what peeps are growing I started to fancy quite a few things. One in particular is Aji Pineapple it is meant to be like lemon drop only with a pineapple tang (if anyone knows different please say)oh and it was a digression of someone growing Aji Orange . I have now found this site Chile Seeds, Hot Pepper Seeds, Pimentas, Pepperoni, Tomatoes and I have found lots to like. I will be good and I won't do anything till after the circle if I do

Haven't grown too many chillies in the last few years but I have tried different companies in the past. One of the best was the one I tried the first year - Nicky's Nurseries. They had a reasonable range at reasonable prices and good germination (or it was beginner's luck). I haven't ordered from them for a few years but I expect they are still good.

Glad to hear other people are pleased with Nickys Nurseries. Unfortuantely I have have a fair few niggles with them. Doesn't put me off totally but prefer not to use them if pos.

Think it depends on how many and which varieties you want to attempt. I do my normal thing and search through the Moreveg offerings, they list 30-35 and that is enough for just growing and not entering into the specialist areas.

Did have a few chilli seed specialists but lost them on the old PC - it lost it's marbles.

Concerning germination I find it is about 2/3 success.

If you really want and can make it try the Westdean Chilli Festival (Early August), plants and seeds (seeds by the thousands) and just about anything thing else chilli related.

They look very pretty when they're strung up like that, like Xmas decs. I gave some to my neighbour, she really liked them. You can buy strings of Espelette peppers in the shops here when in season, and they cost loads! Always good to feel you've got something expensive for (almost) nothing.

Premier Seeds Direct have quite a large selection of chilli seeds. Prices for normal sized packets aren't that bad (most 99 p). They don't have pineapple aji, but it is available on ebay.co.uk, shipped from Australia at 3 pounds 24 p including postage. The same supplier has lots of other exotic items as well (sorry for enabling...).

Aji Pineapple Chilli - A Ecuadorian Chilli that has Pineapple Taste!!! | eBay

NFG,

what level of heat/sweet you expect the chilli to be?

I pick chilli's green mostly and freeze to use them through out the year. So I must be picking more chillis?

I got so many chilli seeds packs this year. sown many..and failed to care them properly. so next year I want to sow 3 varieties only. I bout mine from T&M from sale, they all germinated well

I'm another vote for Nicky's nursery and sea Spring seeds for chilli seeds. I've found and am seriously considering getting more plants from here

World of Chillies for Chilli Plants, Seeds, Gifts and Hot Pods!

They have a very good range of seeds, but not tried them .............yet

Haha, SP, you know you're going to ........