Which chilli variety? Growing for the first time.

[byvirtue]

I want to grow chillies for the first time and am conscious I need to start in January. Can anyone recommend a good variety for drying and using in cooking?

I do have a greenhouse but it’s small so a variety that I could have in a pot against a south facing brick wall
would be great.

finally do I need grow lights?

You don’t need growlights.

Restrain its size by not potting it on too enthusiastically.
They seem to be fairly uniform in how easy they are to grown and how well they fruit. So make your choice on how hot you want them, or,if you’re superficial like me, maximise the prettiness.

I grew cayenne chillies for the first time last year and honestly, they were that impressive I thought I'd invented fire - if you'll excuse the pun. I've just ordered some for this year. I started them mid-January and with no fancy equipment. Just on my window ledge. I got loads of chillies from them. Still have loads in the freezer! Good luck!

Thank you @byvirtue. You've inspired me. Think I'll plant some next week

Biquinho peppers, aka chili pearls. V small, mild. Absolutely gorgeous when pickled, try them at Eden Project.

Undemanding plants so v easy.

Cd try cascabel peppers. Also undemanding.

I really like Bishops crown chillies and they grow well. I also usually do lemon drops and cayenne. I just started first batch of seeds today.

I don't have any recommendations as it will also be my first year doing chillies. I can tell you what I intend to sow, though 😀:

• Gorria/Espelette pepper for seasoning
• Jalapenos for jalapeno poppers
• Padron peppers for tapas