Growing peppers in a Scottish climate

[5555ltd]

I'm in Scotland and my plant hardiness zone is a 7 but I'm constantly surprised to see people in North America growing hotter pepper varieties outdoors in what seem like much colder zones. It makes me think the zones don't tell the whole story, since my area is often wet and cold with less sunshine, even though we have milder winters.

My friends from other European countries say our summers are just not warm enough. This year, I'm going to experiment with growing a few types of a specific pepper outside in pots, along with a couple of cayenne plants. For now, my hotter varieties will definitely be staying in my greenhouse. I would love to hear from anyone in a similar climate who has managed to successfully grow these peppers outside and tips for getting them to grow well in a less-than-ideal climate?

 

[Nar.n]

Yeah, your experience makes sense, hardiness zones only really account for winter lows, not summer heat or sunlight, which peppers care about a lot. In cooler, wetter summers like yours, growing in pots or containers can help because you can move them to sunnier, sheltered spots and even bring them under cover if needed

 

[pou_arcy]

I'm in Scotland and my plant hardiness zone is a 7 but I'm constantly surprised to see people in North America growing hotter pepper varieties outdoors in what seem like much colder zones. It makes me think the zones don't tell the whole story, since my area is often wet and cold with less sunshine, even though we have milder winters.

My friends from other European countries say our summers are just not warm enough. This year, I'm going to experiment with growing a few types of a specific pepper outside in pots, along with a couple of cayenne plants. For now, my hotter varieties will definitely be staying in my greenhouse. I would love to hear from anyone in a similar climate who has managed to successfully grow these peppers outside and tips for getting them to grow well in a less-than-ideal climate?

To get your plants basking in warmth, find that sunny nook in your garden, think south-facing spots, patios, or cozy corners. Reflect light onto your plants with white walls or gravel. Pots are great because they heat up quickly and can be moved around. Use dark-colored pots as well to absorb more heat.