Sowing has taken place early, the young plant has found its place in the bed or pot. Now we have to wait patiently for the habenero to reward us with its fruits. But when can the first specimens be expected and what happens to them after the harvest?
Habanero should be picked with gloves
maturation period
If this is your first time growing habaneros, you will be eagerly awaiting some ripe pods. Depending on the variety, these can take 70 to 100 days to mature. You have a better chance of a bountiful harvest if you grow varieties with a short ripening period.
harvest time
In addition to the maturing time of a Habanero variety, the time of sowing is decisive for the harvest time. If the seeds are not sown outdoors until mid-May due to their frost tolerance, the harvest cannot begin until August. The harvest time will be correspondingly short.
Anyone who prefers the Habanero indoors from February or March and cultivates them outdoors from mid-May can bring the start of the harvest forward and extend the harvest period as much as possible.
recognize maturity
The maturity of the Scots can easily be perceived visually. Depending on the variety, they change color to yellow, orange, red or purple. If you are still not sure, you can pick one of the pods and do a taste test.
tips
Chilies of some Habanero varieties also taste unripe. Do some research on the strain you are growing.
Pick
Pick the chilies when needed. The time of day and the weather do not play an important role. However, do not pull on the pod, as this can tear off entire parts of the plant. Cut the strong stalk with a sharp knife or scissors.
tips
Picking off ripe pods encourages flowering or the growth of more pods. Therefore, mature specimens should not be left hanging on the bush forever.
use
Habaneros can be used freshly picked. Both raw and cooked. When and to what extent you use them in the kitchen depends on when and how much of their fiery heat is welcome to you.
Preserve harvest surplus
Fresh chili peppers can be stored in the vegetable compartment of the refrigerator for a few days. In addition, there are two ways to make them longer
to make durable:
- by drying in a dehydrator or oven
- by inserting
tips
By autumn at the latest, when the first frost is approaching, you should harvest the entire Habanero. If you have the opportunity, you can then overwinter the plant in a winter quarters.