Chasing the earliest Chinense

[jammixhub]

This year, my main goal is to find the earliest chinense variety for my small greenhouse here in Scotland. The growing season is short, so I need something that can produce quickly. My plan was to start all my seeds at the same time to see which ones did best, but of course, I ended up getting a bunch of new "must-have" varieties after my chocolate habanero seeds failed. Now, with all the different planting times, it's hard to compare. I'm keeping careful notes to track which ones are the first to produce.

So this is what I have sown:
Bengle naga
Chocolate scotch bonnet
Dorset naga
Hot paper lantern habanero
Orange habanero
Papa joe's scotch bonnet
Pot jonah
Yellow fatali

Even though the lantern already has more blooms out, the orange habanero was the first plant to bloom from this initial sowing on Tuesday, followed by the hot paper lantern on Thursday.

What's the earliest chinense you've ever grown?

 

[thefieryfields]

Orange habaneros are always the first to show in my garden, they bloom like crazy and get fruit fast. So, if you have short summers or live where it's chilly, they're a winner.

 

[dracoChili]

Just a tip, Chinense peppers love heat, try using a heat mat or warm soil, it gives them a great start.

 

[jammixhub]

Aaaaah You are right @dracoChili I'll keep that in mind too.

Orange habaneros are a favorite @thefieryfields

 

[trailing jade]

+1 @thefieryfields afaik, Hot Paper Lantern is among the earliest Chinense varieties to produce fruit. I do not recommend Dorset Naga or Fatali because they need more heat and time.