Chilli

Advantages: Easy to grow, inexpensive to buy, fun.
Disadvantages: Patience required.

...two very cool, fully grown chilli plants on her kitchen window sill. That was it. I REALLY WANTED ONE. I spent a year looking for one here and there in garden centres and asking around but to no avail and I couldn't believe it! So eventually we decided that we may as well simply cut our losses and just grow our own! And so we have! Chilli plant seeds are available in all garden centres for next a nothing. I am talking under a pound for a little ...
...go! ***FACTS ABOUT THE CHILLI PLANT*** >>>Chillis come from the same family as tomatoes and potatoes. >>> There are around 25 different varieties of chilli plant and each has a slightly different heat. >>>The plants are native to the Americas although they will happily thrive in most climates. >>>In South America, chilli peppers have been grown since at least 2500 BC. >>> The name 'chilli pepper' comes from Christopher Columbus. During his travels ... Read review

Advantages: very attracitive and not too fussy
Disadvantages: has to be warm.

The chilli is not the first thing that might occur to you when looking for something to grow. They sound a touch exotic, and exotic plants tend to be high maintainance. However, I've been pleasantly surprised by mine. Chillis can be bought as seeds from anywhere that has a decent seed range. The need fertile soil, and they like plenty of water. The vital thing is to keep them warm - put them outside and absolutly nothing will happen at all. You ...
...of winter) The long green chilli gradually grows, and then ripens to a strikign bright red - even if you don't want to eat them, they look fantastic and will brighten any room. They do droop a bit if left to themselves, so you might want to consider staking them up, especially if yu get a lot of peppers. Handle carefully when harvesting - wear gloves if you have sensitive skin, at all costs avoid getting your hands near your eyes because you can ... Read review

Advantages: These babies gave me my reputation !!
Disadvantages: BE VERY CAREFUL as mentioned above

...benifit from the addition of chilli in some way or another. I must admit I have never grown them, but by GOLLY do I buy and use them. from the traditional old fav'e chilli con carne, all the way to self designed delights such as 'Salade au Poulo spitzie' As 'Tracym' correctly said you MUST BE VERY CAREFUL DURING AND AFTER preparation. Not only will chilli burn sensitive (and young) skin, but it also 'stays' on your skin (even after general washing) ...
...rinse them thoroughly afterwards. DO NOT leave the towel that you dried your hands with in the bathroom!!! If there is even a little residue left it can severely burn the eyes (maybe some one drying face later?) For the same reason take great care not to touch your EYES or LIPS whilst using chilli, you won't be the same for a good few days (I know from experience!!!) Little story for anyone who's interested .... I was training a young Chef a ... Read review

Advantages: easy to grow,produces useful chillies
Disadvantages: yield from plants is variable

I first grew a chilli plant when recieved a gift set of seeds, compost etc.I don't have a garden so I grow plants in pots or window boxes. the chili plant is quite pretty to look at,is easy to grow and if you have it in a sunny enough spot you might actually produce some chillies! They are an ideal plant for older children to try as they get results quite quickly.The plant produces tiny white flowers which then turn into green chillies, which then ...
...must be careful as they can burn sensitive skin when they are chopped.They are a very useful condiment however and if used carefully in cooking they can add a nice fiery kick. Chillies are useful in the body as they stimulate circulation and because they contain vitamin c they can help ward off colds. I would recommend growing chillies in your kitchen or any room in the house that has an available sunny spot.They are easy to grow but if you want ... Read review

Advantages: Good for you
Disadvantages: ?

...the subtle flavours behind the chilli heat - enhance the taste of other. I find that a dull meal is brought alive with addition of chilli. The problem I have comes with adding to much, when this happens console yourself by reflecting on the possible medicinal qualities. I've yet to try growing but to all intents it appears an easy option. ... Read review