2018 Southern Hemisphere Grow Down-Under

Hi All
 
It's getting to that stage where we need to plan the next growdown.
 
I can supply the Aji Cito seeds, but will need to get them posted pretty quick so get voting
 
I also have no issue if we go with something else, but will need to order in good time as it takes ages to get to NZ
 
If you vote 'Something Else' post a suggested variety
 
Poll closes Friday 27th April
 
 
General Rules

• GROWDOWN BEGINS 21st JUNE
• Seeds to be started on or after start date
• Germinate and grow as many as you want
• All grow styles and techniques welcome
• Only one plant can count towards your entry
• Nominate your growdown plant at first weigh in
• Weigh each harvest, and post picture of pods on scales here
• Heaviest total weight of pods in one year from start will be the winner
• Honour system - If you cheat the Aphid Gods will know

 
 
 

 

[bob65]

645 pods for 1461g
 

 

[karoo]

I have been blessed with great autumn weather and the plant is full of pods .
Lots of pods still waiting on the plant even after this harvest.
 
Totals 
pods  907
weight  1837 g
 
Excellent weather forecast for the remaining pods on the plant. 
 

 
Pods left over after todays harvest .
 

 
My fermenting mash , slow ferment , using the burping method for now and adding pods.
All peppers , mashed , some not , 4% salt and a dash of vinegar on top to keep away mold.
 

 
peppers.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

[karoo]

How do you like that weather forecast for the last day in April .
 
30 celsius ,  " not as hot"

 

[bob65]

That is great weather.
 
I was outside this morning looking at my plant and was thinking that if you didn't do any more harvests then I would be lucky to bring in as much as you have. That just puts it over the top.
 
We have been having good weather too. Around 25° during the days and 12 - 15° during the nights With the occasional cooler day and night.
 
May not seem cold to the northern hemispherers, but when your plants haven't seen temps below 25°C (even overnight) for 3 or 4 months then they don't react very well.
 
Some of my plants have given up for the season, but some are breaking out in flowers like mad. I will be happy if most of the pods already on them ripen.
 
The overnight temps are set to drop this weekend to 7°, and the days are shorter so not long to go before it is all finished I think.

 

[bob65]

678 for 1538g
 

 

[bob65]

704 pods for 1603g. They have been taking a long time to ripen over the last week.
 

 

[karoo]

Totals 
 
1999 g  ( should have picked an extra pod)
967 pods
 
Ripe pods all over , crazy hot late Autumn weather . Today 36 Celsius.
 

 

[bob65]

Another 18 for 40g.
 
Less than 2 months to go.
 

 
722 for 1643g

 

[karoo]

Today I harvest at sunrise and with winter looming large it is rather chilly outside. I almost pulled the plug on this grow , but then I saw the weather forecast for the coming weekend . 
 
I guess I will give this Aji Cito plant another few weeks.
 
total 2106 grams 
        1010 pods
 

 

 
 
The ferment is really coming along , all natural ferment mash.
 

 
Just burping it at the moment , with a fantastic smell coming off this jar.
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

[bob65]

56 more for 127g
 

 

 
778 for 1770g
 
 
 
Still a few green ones left on the plant, but not a lot more.

 

[Devv]

Well done folks!
 
I must admit I've had my bhut handed to me by 'yall

 

[KAOS]

Well done folks!
 
I must admit I've had my bhut handed to me by 'yall

 

Same this side. Well done Jaques and Bob, you smoked us this year.
 
I have picked a couple extra over last few weeks, but I'd say I broke the 500g mark and no more.

 

[Devv]

 
My plant is finally coming around, a bit too late. It went into a "I need epsom salt" syndrome. And that correction took way too long. The green pods...some critter decide to harvest, and I scarfed the pile..LOL

 

[timnz]

Current total 236 peppers, 888g. Still plenty of green ones left on the bush.
 
I have four jalapeno bushes in the greenhouse as well, this year I've gotten 833 jalapenos totaling 12.2kg.

 

[bob65]

A few more.
 
I know I can't catch up at this point but I am going to keep weighing in, trying to reach the 2kg mark.
 

 
Total 789 for 1812g

 

[karoo]

My Aji Cito plant is still going strong , with good growth and pods in the canopy , but with leaves dropping and thinning out in the middle and bottom. We are having crazy early winter temperatures with today hitting 33 Celsius or 91 F. 
 
I think I have had enough and will pull the plug on this plant next week.
 
Totals   2286 grams 
             1105 pods

 

 

 

 
 
 

 

[karoo]

....but we are not growing peppers to brag about it . Show me what you are doing with your Aji Cito pods.
 
Pods in a jar , smash them up, add some mash from the fermenting big brother jar .
These will ferment for another 4-6 weeks before I sauce them.Thinking  of a clean fermented sauce without additives or spacers like onions or carrots.
 
 

 
 

 
 
 

 

[PaulG]

Wow - the 2kg barrier broken!
 
Great grow-down-under, folks! A pleasure to
see all those beautiful pods coming in!

 

[bob65]

Another weigh in
 

 
807 for 1855g
 
The 2kg mark may be a bit ambitious for me, but it is still getting new pods growing so who knows.

 

[karoo]

First frost hit this morning and that made up my mind for me , I'm out of here!
 
Thank you all for taking part , this is my last weigh in and totals .
 
1155 pods for a total of  2402 grams ,
 
all mashed and fermenting with about a 1000 grams of Aji Amarillo.