The sowing was done early, the young plant has taken its place in the bed or pot. Now it's time to wait patiently for the Habenero to reward us with its fruits. But when can we expect the first specimens and what will happen to them after the harvest?
When and how do I harvest habanero chilies?
Habanero chilies can be harvested after 70-100 days of ripening, when they have acquired their characteristic color (yellow, orange, red or purple). Pick the pods carefully with a knife or scissors and use them raw or cooked in the kitchen. If there is a surplus harvest, Habaneros can be dried or pickled.
Maturation period
If this is your first time growing Habaneros, you will be eagerly awaiting a few ripe pods. Depending on the variety, these can take 70 to 100 days to ripen. You have a better chance of a rich harvest if you grow varieties with a short ripening period.
Harvest time
In addition to the ripening period of a Habanero variety, the time of sowing is crucial for the harvest time. If the seeds are not sown outdoors until mid-May due to their frost intolerance, the harvest cannot begin until August. The harvest time will be correspondingly short.
If you prefer the Habanero indoors from February or March and cultivate it outdoors from mid-May, you can bring forward the start of the harvest and extend the harvest period to the maximum.
Recognizing maturity
The maturity of the Scots can easily be perceived visually. They change color to yellow, orange, red or purple depending on the variety. If you're still not sure, you can pick one of the pods and do a taste test.
Tip
Chilis from some Habanero varieties also taste unripe. In this regard, find out about the variety you are growing.
Picking
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 entire parts of the plant can be torn off. Cut the strong stem with a sharp knife or scissors.
Tip
Picking ripe pods stimulates the flowering or growth of additional pods. That's why mature specimens shouldn't stay on the bush forever.
Usage
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 spiciness 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 last longer:
- by drying in the dehydrator or oven
- by inserting
Tip
You should harvest the entire habanero in autumn at the latest, when the first frost is approaching. If you have the opportunity, you can then overwinter the plant in winter quarters.
