How to Grow Bahamian Bird Chilli

To grow Bahamian bird chilli peppers, you will need to follow these general rules:
  1. Choose a location with full sun exposure (at least 6 hours), and well-draining soil, rich in organic matter.  (chilli's are heavy feeders). Bahamian bird chilli peppers prefer warm weather and a temperature range between 25-35 °C.
  2. Start the seeds indoors in seed trays or pots, 6-8 weeks before the last frost. Keep the soil consistently moist and warm until germination, which typically takes 7-14 days.
  3. Transplant the seedlings into the garden or into larger pots when they have at least 2-3 leaves and have grown to about 15 cm tall. Space them about 30-45 cm apart.
  4. Water the plants regularly, keeping the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
  5. Fertilise the plants every 4-6 weeks with a balanced fertiliser, such as a 10-10-10 or 20-20-20 mixture.
  6. Provide support for the plants, such as a trellis or stake, as they grow taller.
  7. Pinch back the growing tips of the plant to encourage bushier growth and more fruit production. You can also remove any damaged or diseased leaves to prevent the spread of disease.
  8. Harvest the chilli peppers when they are fully ripe, which is typically when they turn red or yellow.

Heritage of Bahamian Chilli

Bahamian chilli is a spicy condiment that is popular in the Bahamas, particularly on the island of Eleuthera. The heritage of Bahamian chilli can be traced back to the African slaves who were brought to the Bahamas by European colonisers in the 18th and 19th centuries. These slaves brought with them their own culinary traditions, which included the use of spices and peppers to flavour their food. Over time, Bahamian chilli evolved into its own unique recipe, incorporating local ingredients such as lime juice, vinegar, and various Caribbean peppers. Today, there are many variations of Bahamian chilli, each with its own unique combination of spices and peppers. Bahamian chilli is often used as a condiment for seafood, such as conch fritters or fish sandwiches. It is also used to flavour stews and other dishes. The spicy, tangy flavour of Bahamian chilli is a popular part of the Bahamian culinary heritage and is enjoyed by locals and tourists alike.
Scoville Heat Units (SHU) 95,000-110,000
Plant Height 45 - 91cm (1'6" - 2'12")
Season of Interest warm to hot
Temperature Range 31 - 32°C (88 - 90°F)
Annual / Perennial / Biennial Perennial / Annual
Frost Hardy / Tender Tender
Full Sun / Part Sun / Shade Full sun
Sow Direct / Raise Seedlings Either
Seed Preparation Soak seeds overnight in lukewarm water or freeze for a few days before planting
Sowing Depth 5mm (¼")
Plant Spacing 30 - 45cm (1⅛" - 1'6")
Row Spacing 110 - 150cm (3'7" - 4'11")
Watering regular watering required, keep moist but not wet.
Good Companion Plants Carrots, cucumber, squash, members of the Allum family, Basil, Dill, Fennel
Bad Companion Plants Kohlrabi. cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, and mustards
Pests Aphids, Whiteflies, Thrips, Flea Beetles, Cabbage Loopers, Leaf Miners,Flea Beetles, Pepper Weevils, Leaf Miners, Caterpillar
Diseases blossom end rot

CHILLI-BAHAMIAN BIRD

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More About Direct Compost Solutions

When I started this journey in 2009, I found nothing existed commercially, that was reasonably priced and easy to use. There was a homemade system which I also found was not that user-friendly.

Then a friend of mine told me about a homemade method she used. However, when I tried her method, I found this also didn't suit my needs, as it too had flaws that I considered where important. It did not keep vermin out, did not have a lockable lid and (to me) looked unsightly in the garden.