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PeriPeri's Grow 13/14/15/2016: South African

Welcome to PeriPeri's Grow 13/14/15/2016: South Africa
 
If you would like to see the 2012/2013 Grow, you can see it Here

First a little info about our country:

South Africa is situated at the very southern tip of the African continent. Our country ranges a divers spectrum of cultures and religions and of course habitats. Our country is flanked by the Atlantic on the SW coast line and the Indian Ocean on the NE coast line. Our diverse habitats range from tropical to sub saharan and even desert up north. One thing is for sure, the high summer temperatures and generally mild winter temperatures mean that our country does offer a great opportunity to grow chillies (among other things). To those who are not familiar with our country, Africa probably conjurs up images of harsh barren landscapes with dry baked un-fertile soil and wild animals roaming all over the place. South Africa is probably one of the most established african countries with a large farming sector and loads of fertile soil.

The locality of where this grow will take place is largely situated inland near Pretoria. Altitude here is about 4000ft above sea level. We are talking mild winters with some frost early mornings (temperatures drop at night due to altitude). Daytime temps in winter are round about 21ºC and night time temps can drop as low as -4ºC on a very cold night. There is no rain on the "Highveldt" as we call it in winter. As a rule of thumb all months of the year without an "R" do not have rain. These are our dry months, which go from May till August. Our summer is also our rainy season. This goes from September till April. Temperatures in Pretoria in Summer vary 30ºC - 40ºC daytime to a low of 17ºC on average at night. While there is often long dry spells without rain, rains usually accumulate as huge thunderstorms that bring flash floods, hail and sever lightning.

The farm has a borehole which provides water for the garden. Although at present there is no irrigation system. One of my projects for this year.

Animal wise, we have loads of insects, snakes, scorpions, spiders, primates (Baboons and Vervet Monkeys) as well as Carnivores such as Jackals, Rooicats (mountain lion) and other smaller wild cats. But as far as chillies go, the monkeys and baboons are the biggest problem as they do eat the milder chillies and destroy plants while foraging. There are no traps big enough for monkeys and generally they are very clever to get around most deterrents, so full enclosure with shade netting is the best way.

Other than this, I would say that while there has been much bad publicity about the country in the press, our country is a beautiful country with diversity everywhere, the land, the people, the cultures and the religions. Hence our country is called the rainbow nation. Most famous person is probably Nelson Mandella who established our new democracy in the New South Africa after the apartheit era. Our country is a young democracy in the making - but most of all, our country is a diverse and beautiful country with much to offer and of course home of the Big 5, Blue Whale and Great White Shark... and much much more. Just a quick and very narrow snapshot of what our wonderful country is about!

Last years experience has given me a better understanding of growing at the farm and these are the pitfalls from my exercise last year.

Generally last year was a great season. Great weather - hot and dry. Lots of mistakes made, but things that will not be repeated. Last year we had about 78 different varieties of chillies. We had an estimated 1000 plants in the soil. Last season was our first season growing in the soil and based on previous experiences with growing in pots... I will say adieu to pots and hello soil.

1) Watering. As mentioned there is no irrigation. Water is available a plenty, but regular watering in these hot climates is a must. So for me, I will be looking closely at getting some sort of a watering system up and running. Added problem is that the farm is located about 1 hour from where I live, so watering every day during the week was reliant on staff at the farm watering ever second day during the week. Staffing issues resulted in the loss of quite a few plants due to non watering. So irrigation and a computer will be priority.

2) Season. Last year we started planting seedlings late October/Early November. This year we aim to be in the soil early October. Germination started earlier this season beginning July. I have also acquired a green house which I will use for the seedlings.

3) Planting. Last year planting got into a big muddle. This year I will be more methodical. Also, we planted too close. We found that this becomes a problem when harvesting. We did not feel that last years approach of planting two seedlings together being a problem. We did not notice any significant lower yield with plants that had been planted together as opposed to individually. And found that the cohabitation of plants together (in pairs) actually helped in areas where seedlings were exposed to direct sun. In fact, cohabitation resulted in better growth and larger plants.

4) Spacing. Last year we planted seedlings approx 45cm apart. We would like to extend this to 60cm as we found 45cm to be too dense. We were happy with using channels and rows which helped retain water for approx two - three days between watering and helped channel any run off out of the field. Also, there was no pooling or puddling which was better I think.

5) Insects/monkeys/Snails. Mostly cutworm issues with small seedlings. We will tackle this by using (Stickman's stick method) and through pellets - if need be. Pepper maggots: We suffered quite extensively with Pepper Maggots. We will implement sacrificial boundary plants, fly tapes and beer traps (not for me but the wasps). Monkeys: Plant inside enclosures only. We will be looking at extending the current shade net enclosure, but will need to raise funding for this. Giant African Land Snail: Amazing buggers these. We found lots but only a few that had dug into the plants root system to suck the minerals from plant roots. Not much of a threat as these were just removed by hand, but the enclosure goes a long way to preventing them from getting in.

6) Weeds. Last year we had a problem with weeds. Weeds were time consuming at the start of the season and probably brought about by the application of horse manure. We will try and look at applying some kind of ground cover to reduce weeds, but this will be advised at a later stage.

7) Planting. Last year we took young seedlings and planted them in a nursery. Once big enough we transplanted them densely in the inside enclosed garden (which has 40% shade cloth) and then transplanted the young plants to the open fields once about 15 - 20cm in size. We would like to cut out all the extra work and transplanting, which we found to just delay growth. Every time you transplant, the plant growth is set back... so we will be planting directly into the plants final destination. This means we will be waiting for the pants to get to 15-20cm in size before planting in the soil. Last season we planted seedlings in the soil when they were very small and this also resulted in losses through cutworm.

8) Fertilizers. Nothing hectic. The soil at the farm is incredibly rich and fertile soil. But we found last year that Seaweed and Fish fertilizers to be brilliant and totally harmless. So we will definitely be sticking with this recipe. Out of time constraint, last season, pellets were applied to the surface as opposed to mixing the pellets into the soil around the base of the plant, so this season we will try and do this properly. We alo will pay particular attention to maintaining the mounds around the root base and regularly loosening the soil. With our flash floods and heavy downpours the mounds do flatten and the soil becomes compacted. This results in roots being exposed, water running off the soil as opposed to into the soil and ultimately impacting on the plants optimal growth.

9) Support. Last year we added support as the plants became bigger. Not knowing how big some of the plants would get. We have a better idea this year and will be implementing supports at the beginning. We have two types of bamboo on the farm and will be using the harder thinner bamboo as this does not disturb the roots as much.

10) Drink. More beer. Last year we did not have nearly enough beer to get us through the backbreaking work... so there will have to be more beer for sure :) Just one more thing on that, Nature is an amazing process. Trust in nature. Everything has its place and jumping to intervene (which we always want to do) is sometimes the worst thing that we can do. Plants are very forgiving once established and a lot more resilient than we give them credit for. So chill. Have a beer when the nerves are frayed and you want to reach for the napalm. Nature is amazing most of the time and things in nature have survived a million times over. For aphids there are ladybirds. For insects there are the birds... if you napalm the aphids, the ladybirds will go... just chill and have a beer :) This is my theory and I am sticking to it lol

Ok, lots on the cards this year. plenty to do and arrange and it will be kicking off shortly. The plants from last year are still in the garden and field. I only over wintered the special plants. Of these there are 100 mature plants that I rescued from the winter frost. The other 900 plants are still in the soil. It looks like armageddon in the fields. Some plants have been taken by the frost for sure, but others are showing signs of life. I plan to go this week to weed out the dead plants from the survivors and prune dead wood. I am planning to rearrange things somewhat, so once I have established the survivors, I will be transplanting those plants to get order back into the fields. This will allow me to get the vacant land ready for new plants.

As mentioned germination is well under way. Propagator has been fired up now for month and a bit and seedlings are coming along just great. First week of October will be my D-Day for planting.

Loads of exciting new chillies on the go this season. I had intended to cut down on the number of plants this year... but guess what :D

Grow List 2013/2014

Aji Lemon
Angkor Sunrise
Anheim
Antilaise Caribbean
Avenir
Baby Belle Pimento
Bahamian Goat
Bali Long
Bali Naga
Bhut Jolokia
Bhut Jolokia Cappuccino
Bhut Jolokia Chocolate
Bhut Jolokia Peach
Bhut Jolokia X Habanero Giant White
Big Jim
Bile Bile (Zimbabwean PeriPeri)
Biquinho
Bishops Crown
Black Pearl
Blondie
Bonda Ma Jacques
Boriya Mirch
Cabe Merah
Calapeño Thunder
California Wonder Golden
Calypso
CARDI Red
Carolina Reaper
Cayenne
Joe's Long Cayenne
Cherry Sweet
Cherry Bomb
Cheyenne
Cheyenne X Thai
Condom (Aji Verde)
Datil
Devil's Tongue Brown
Devil's Tongue White
Ecuadorian Sweet
Explosive Embers
Facing Heaven
Fatalii Red
Fatalii White
Fatalii Yellow
Fidalga Roxa
Fish Pepper
Goronong Cili
Habanero Big Sun
Habanero Champagne
Habanero Gambia
Habanero Golden
Habanero Paper Lantern
Habanero Peach Long
Habanero Red
Habanero Large White
Habanero White Jellybean
Hong Kong
Hot Pixies
Hungarian Hot Wax
Hungarian Sweet Wax
Hungarian White Apple
Ignite
Jalapeño
Jalapeño El Jefe
Jamaican Gold
Jawala
Long Thai
Madballz7
Makulu Peri
Malaguetta
Manzano Orange
Mata Frade
Morango
Naga King Jolokia
Naga Morich (European)
Naga Morich (Indian)
Naga Viper
NagaBon
Nagalah
Orange Blob
Pasilla Bajio
Pata Pario
PeriPeri (Mozambique)
PeriPeri (Malawi)
PeriPeri (SA)
Phuli Jiyoti
Pimenta de Neyde
Purple Tiger
Red Savina
Ring of Fire
Rocotillo
Rodo
CARDI Yellow Scorpion
Scarlet Lantern
Scotch Bonnet
Scotch Bonnet Peach Long
Serrano
Sikanya
Tabasco
Thai Dragon
Thaibo
Trinidad 7 Pot Barrakpore
Trinidad 7 Pot Jonah X Trinidad Scorpion ButchT
Trinidad 7 Pot Primo
Trinidad 7 Pot Brainstrain
Trinidad 7 Pot Burgundy
Trinidad 7 Pot Douglah
Trinidad 7 Pot Jonah
Trinidad 7 Pot Red
Trinidad 7 Pot White
Trinidad Scorpion ButchT
Trinidad Scorpion Moruga
Trinidad Perfume
Trinidad Scorpion ButchT X Bhut Jolokia
Trinidad Scorpion ButchT X Trinidad 7 Pot Primo
Trinidad Scorpion ButchT X Moruga
Trinidad Scorpion CARDI Yellow X Bhut Jolokia
Trinidad Scorpion Long Tail
Trinidad Scorpion Moruga Chocolate
Trinidad Scorpion Sunrise
Trinidad Scorpion Yellow FG
Tuscan Frgitello (Pepperoncini)
 
122 different types - I hope that will be it :D
 
Thank you to Stickman for the seeds. Thank you to Conor for his seeds and thank you to Meatfreak for the amazing selection he sent. I am still hoping that Walkgood's package will arrive - so thanks for those in advance my friend!
 
 
 
Oh yeh... looking a little longer and skinnier than mine, but I'd say Nabasco pods for sure. :dance:  I've noticed a larger percentage of small pods when growing in pots... mostly I think it's because it's harder to keep them watered as much as the plants would like because the size of the root ball is limited by the size of the pot. I say that for the size pots I use, I've never grown peppers in anything larger than a 5 gallon pot.
 
Keep up the great work bro'!
 
Holy Mole with very strange elongated stalks...
 
IMG_7078.jpg

 
I think these are Guajillos...
 
IMG_7077.jpg

 
Choco Bhut x Douglah I think...
 
IMG_7075.jpg

 
Habanero Lantern...
 
IMG_7072.jpg

 
First flowers on the Red Rocotos :D
 
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More 7 Pots
 
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A tony Naga King pod ripens... had this with some cheese and crackers lol
 
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Some lovely flowers on the Aji Lemons I think it was...
 
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stickman said:
Oh yeh... looking a little longer and skinnier than mine, but I'd say Nabasco pods for sure. :dance:  I've noticed a larger percentage of small pods when growing in pots... mostly I think it's because it's harder to keep them watered as much as the plants would like because the size of the root ball is limited by the size of the pot. I say that for the size pots I use, I've never grown peppers in anything larger than a 5 gallon pot.
 
Keep up the great work bro'!
Thanks my friend. Ok 5 gallons that is like just short of 20 litres... I am growing in half this - all I could magic financially this season. But yea... my biggest issue with pots is getting the watering right. I would imagine it id easier to get the watering right in larger pots than smaller ones... the smaller ones dry out so quick and can get very saturated when it rains heavy.
 
PeriPeri said:
Thanks my friend. Ok 5 gallons that is like just short of 20 litres... I am growing in half this - all I could magic financially this season. But yea... my biggest issue with pots is getting the watering right. I would imagine it id easier to get the watering right in larger pots than smaller ones... the smaller ones dry out so quick and can get very saturated when it rains heavy.
 
One of the things I like about root-pruning pots is that they drain so well... no worries with extended spells of rain. I get around the watering issue by setting up a low pressure drip irrigation line. It's really time and money well-spent.
 
Good news from this end on the package you sent... it got here just a little while ago! :woohoo:  You rock Lourens!
SANY0116_zpsc07b3100.jpg

SANY0115_zps813d63de.jpg
 
Hey, Lourens - flower on the red Rocoto   :dance: Awesome, my friend!
The Aji Limons look very energetic and healthy, as well.
 
In fact, everything looks just dandy in SA - you must be workin' overtime
with all the pots/containers!
 
Yummmm!  King Naga with cheese and crackers… can't beat that   :drooling:
 
Thanks for the view of what it will look like here, 6 months from now   ;)
 
Regarding pot/container size, I am moving to all larger pots, with a 7 gallon
minimum for the very reasons Rick stated above.  I just scored 5 x 20 gal.
through my neighbor, and am looking for a dozen or so in the 10-15 gallon range.
A 7 gallon pot will make very respectably sized plants.  10 gal and up will make
great big plants, and are more like just growing in the ground, with obvious limitations.!
 
I am also going back to plastic containers.  I really liked the fibre pots, and will still
use them for some applications.  I like bottom watering and the cloth pots just get
covered with moss at the bottom, especially in rainy times, and they do dry out
pretty quickly.  they make a great root ball, though - no big circlers.
 
Hey, Lourens, Rick's and my packages must have been traveling together.  
Showed up this afternoon.  An awesome box o' treats, my friend.  
Those cashews are HOT   :mouthonfire:
 
Thanks, brother, everything arrived in perfect shape!  Your generosity is
much appreciated.  As is the functioning SA mail system!  Let's hope the
packages traveling the opposite direction fare as well!
_DSC2564a_zpscbd6e13d.jpg

 
Your products are very well packaged and labeled, Lourens.  Very professional looking!
 
Thanks a million!
 
stickman said:
 
One of the things I like about root-pruning pots is that they drain so well... no worries with extended spells of rain. I get around the watering issue by setting up a low pressure drip irrigation line. It's really time and money well-spent.
 
Good news from this end on the package you sent... it got here just a little while ago! :woohoo:  You rock Lourens!
SANY0116_zpsc07b3100.jpg

SANY0115_zps813d63de.jpg
Thanks Buddy, awesome you got your parcel! Great news... means I can send out other stuff as well. Keep the sauces refrigerated mate once opened. And the TShirt is digitally printed so no washing machine orironing over the artwork I am afraid lol Enjoy ;)
PaulG said:
Hey, Lourens - flower on the red Rocoto   :dance: Awesome, my friend!
The Aji Limons look very energetic and healthy, as well.
 
In fact, everything looks just dandy in SA - you must be workin' overtime
with all the pots/containers!
 
Yummmm!  King Naga with cheese and crackers… can't beat that   :drooling:
 
Thanks for the view of what it will look like here, 6 months from now   ;)
 
Regarding pot/container size, I am moving to all larger pots, with a 7 gallon
minimum for the very reasons Rick stated above.  I just scored 5 x 20 gal.
through my neighbor, and am looking for a dozen or so in the 10-15 gallon range.
A 7 gallon pot will make very respectably sized plants.  10 gal and up will make
great big plants, and are more like just growing in the ground, with obvious limitations.!
 
I am also going back to plastic containers.  I really liked the fibre pots, and will still
use them for some applications.  I like bottom watering and the cloth pots just get
covered with moss at the bottom, especially in rainy times, and they do dry out
pretty quickly.  they make a great root ball, though - no big circlers.
Hey Paul buddy - thank you. I will be actively looking for a new bit of dirt to grow in ext season or else I will give the fabric pots a go. I am way under on pot size... hence my plants are real small :) But its all good!  The best part is stepping into my garden and them being right there rather than an hours drive away :)
PaulG said:
Hey, Lourens, Rick's and my packages must have been traveling together.  
Showed up this afternoon.  An awesome box o' treats, my friend.  
Those cashews are HOT   :mouthonfire:
 
Thanks, brother, everything arrived in perfect shape!  Your generosity is
much appreciated.  As is the functioning SA mail system!  Let's hope the
packages traveling the opposite direction fare as well!
_DSC2564a_zpscbd6e13d.jpg

 
Your products are very well packaged and labeled, Lourens.  Very professional looking!
 
Thanks a million!
Hey Paul, totally over the moon your stuff arrived. There is a glimmer of hope yet for that Post Office of ours! The Cashews are hot hey lol... thanks to Charle's Choco Bhut x Douglah powder lol Please just refrigerate after opening. The PeriPeri is made with real PeriPeri... I was all sold out on the first market and this was all I could scrape together. I found this jar at the back of my fridge and it was so moorish ;)
 
Enjoy buddy! Glad I could return the favor for once :D
 
Devv said:
I see things are looking good on your side of the world!
 
Keep doing what you're doing!
Hey Scot! Thank you my friend that. Getting there slowly.... wish this hobby were instant lol
IMG_7037.jpg


IMG_7039.jpg


Naga Morich EU strain
 
IMG_7042.jpg


My 7Pot Yellow seeds have taken on a new dimension this season... interested to see where this leeds :)
 
IMG_7043.jpg


Habanero Lanterns
 
IMG_7054.jpg


And the latest addition the Naga King x Moruga? Looking pretty, lumpy and bumpy :)
 
IMG_7100.jpg


Really can't wait to taste test these guys :)
 
Nice-looking Paper Lantern Habaneros... they're always the first to ripen in my chile plot too. Have yours got notes of Cherry in the flavor? Mine did, so I used them in fruity sauces and BBQ glaze.
 
Isn't that something that your Naga King plants crossed with so many other varieties last year. I'll certainly be interested to hear how they all come out when they ripen.
 
We both love your superhot cashews! My wife could only eat one every 20 minutes, but she kept after them all afternoon yesterday. :fireball: ;)
 
stickman said:
Nice-looking Paper Lantern Habaneros... they're always the first to ripen in my chile plot too. Have yours got notes of Cherry in the flavor? Mine did, so I used them in fruity sauces and BBQ glaze.
 
Isn't that something that your Naga King plants crossed with so many other varieties last year. I'll certainly be interested to hear how they all come out when they ripen.
 
We both love your superhot cashews! My wife could only eat one every 20 minutes, but she kept after them all afternoon yesterday. :fireball: ;)
Them Naga Kings is prolific mate! They sure get around... they have crossed with the Tabasco and Morugas for sure. I will let you all know as soon as I have done the taste test!
 
lmao... them Cashews are hot hey? lol but somehow people always grab more lol
 
PeriPeri said:
Them Naga Kings is prolific mate! They sure get around... they have crossed with the Tabasco and Morugas for sure. I will let you all know as soon as I have done the taste test!
 
lmao... them Cashews are hot hey? lol but somehow people always grab more lol
 
So if what I grew from you last year (2013) was was a cross, it was an F1 plant.  I'm growing seed I saved from that plant this year.  Only two plants, but they're looking very strong :party: .  I was thinking it was Naga King x Reaper, but do you think Naga King x Moruga is more likely?
 
Spicegeist said:
 
So if what I grew from you last year (2013) was was a cross, it was an F1 plant.  I'm growing seed I saved from that plant this year.  Only two plants, but they're looking very strong :party: .  I was thinking it was Naga King x Reaper, but do you think Naga King x Moruga is more likely?
Hi Charles, I think your pods from what I saw looked more true to the Naga Kings. It is the new Moruga type pheno versions that are most likely the Naga KingxMoruga hybrids. There is one other version that Rick picked up, which is the Nabasco cross. Either of which I think is a very exciting cross. The Moruga Hybrid is easily identifyable. But maybe thios will come through in your next grow from the seeds you harvested. All I can say is that Naga King is a floozie... really getting around that one :D
 
PeriPeri said:
Hi Charles, I think your pods from what I saw looked more true to the Naga Kings. It is the new Moruga type pheno versions that are most likely the Naga KingxMoruga hybrids. There is one other version that Rick picked up, which is the Nabasco cross. Either of which I think is a very exciting cross. The Moruga Hybrid is easily identifyable. But maybe thios will come through in your next grow from the seeds you harvested. All I can say is that Naga King is a floozie... really getting around that one :D
 
Yeah, so far my two possible F2 seedlings are identical, so maybe you're right and they're not crosses at all... I would probably prefer that, it is a very strong variety if it is not a cross... grows like a hybrid!
 
Spicegeist said:
 
Yeah, so far my two possible F2 seedlings are identical, so maybe you're right and they're not crosses at all... I would probably prefer that, it is a very strong variety if it is not a cross... grows like a hybrid!
Hey Charles, I may be looking towards you for seeds after your next season, if your's grow true. I have another case of Naga King x Moruga that has come up!
 
Woohoo, I just tried my first ever Trinidad Perfume... and generally I like it. Was a small pod, but smells just like a Haba/Fatalii/Scotch Bonnet and has all the flavours of a Habanero without a trace of heat. lol I was sitting there and having tasted like a Habanero I was waiting for the Hickups that I usually get with them Habaneros... that's how close the flavour was. But no hickups I am happy to report :) Great little pepper if you want the flavour and aroma without the heat!
 
PeriPeri said:
 
Choco Bhut x Douglah I think...
 
IMG_7075.jpg

 
 
Looks very nice!
PeriPeri said:
Woohoo, I just tried my first ever Trinidad Perfume... and generally I like it. Was a small pod, but smells just like a Haba/Fatalii/Scotch Bonnet and has all the flavours of a Habanero without a trace of heat. lol I was sitting there and having tasted like a Habanero I was waiting for the Hickups that I usually get with them Habaneros... that's how close the flavour was. But no hickups I am happy to report :) Great little pepper if you want the flavour and aroma without the heat!
 
 
I've been curious about these, but haven't tried them... nice description.
 
Ok, giving it a go... it's all the rage and one has to try these things for oneself!
 
IMG_7116.jpg


Compost, Peat Moss, Water, Organic Molasses, air and time... I will let you know what I think ;)

Constant stream of Korean Winners coming in
 
IMG_7117.jpg


Little Goronong pods in the making :)
 
IMG_7118.jpg


7Pots a little more colour...
 
IMG_7119.jpg


One of the Reapers, got some heavy rain yesterday that went through the leaves... I have just potted this one up to a 5 gallon bag... hoping it will go ape... especially with the Compost Tea :)
 
IMG_7120.jpg

 
Red Rocoto... loving this plant... really enjoying things at the moment... looking very happy
 
IMG_7121.jpg

 
IMG_7122.jpg


Habanero Lantern going ape...
 
IMG_7128.jpg


White Bhut changing colour fast...
 
IMG_7129.jpg


7Pot Burgundy changing colour finally
 
IMG_7137.jpg
 
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