Bird’s Eye Chili
Bird’s eye chilli gave us the colours of Christmas this season, red and green, which are from nature. You can easily grow bird’s eye chilli in your kitchen, container, or backyard garden. These plants can survive in cold, dry, and hot conditions. They produce a lot of berries, especially when the conditions are tough. But, the chilli berries may be smaller if exposed to challenging elements, like heat and drought.
Growing bird’s eye chili in the Subtropics
The bird’s eye chilli grows as a shrub and can reach over 6 meters in cramped areas to reach sunlight. It’s a perennial plant that only needs to be seeded once and reproduces by self-seeding. It produces a small yield of chilli peppers in a short amount of time. This variety requires very little attention and can withstand any maintenance schedule. Watering it once weekly is ideal, but it can go without water for up to two weeks. However, exposure to high-temperature conditions may cause the foliage to wilt.
Chilli Uses
Cooking
Fresh chilli peppers are a versatile ingredient that can add a delicious and spicy kick to various dishes. If you prefer a milder flavour, remove the seeds before using the chilli flesh. Consider adding some green chilli peppers to your recipe to enhance the flavour. Fresh chillies can be used in omelettes, sandwiches, soups, stews, pickles, and more, providing a range of cooking options.
To preserve fresh chillies, consider storing them in oil, which adds a great flavour to spicy dishes. Drying the chilli seeds and flesh is also viable, which can be achieved by shade drying or drying on the plant. Once dry, they can be turned into a powder for future use.
Pest Control
Using chilli can be a practical and natural way to control pests in your garden; however, it is vital to exercise caution and follow some simple guidelines to prevent the spread of viruses or fungi to your other plants. Ensure you use disease-free chilli and avoid using it if its leaves have signs of disease. Mix a small amount of chilli powder or oil with water to control slugs, nails, and insects without causing harm to the plant. In small gardens, you can use an old hairspray bottle if you don’t have a pesticide spray bottle. After handling chilli, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water to avoid any irritation or discomfort. By following these tips, you can safely and effectively use chilli to control pests in your garden.
