Topic: Caldero F1, next generation

[Jayb]

I thought I’d share a picture of one of my Caldero F2 plants, sown January. I’ve grown Caldero F1 chillies the last couple of years and found they do well for me. A good type IMHO and most importantly not too hot for me!

Last year I bagged blossoms to keep the seed pure. This year I’ve grown 5 plants (F2’s), all are slightly different to look at but most quite similar to the parent. One or two have the ‘corking’ look of jalapenos. Plants are an ideal size for growing in a pot, although one is a really stunted looking plant in comparison to the others. Hopefully I’ll arrive with something suited to growing in Wales and I'll keep my fingers crossed for a great tasting not tooooo hot pepper!

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[Spudbash]

I would be proud to have grown these - great work!

Let us know when you're ready to sell the seeds at an immense price!  ;D

Spudbash  :)

[Jayb]

Thank you  :) they are proving to be a pleasure to grow, really easy.

Lol, somehow I don't think so, swaps are more my scene!

[Jayb]

Following on is the F3 generation, not sown until March but coming on well. Plants are again looking fairly uniform in growth habit, just have to wait and see how the fruits turn out. This picture is from a couple of weeks ago, they have grown on a bit and started flowering. I think gavinjconway and grannyjanny are growing some too  :)

[Spudbash]

They're nice and sturdy, aren't they? I wonder how the fruits will look and taste...

Spudbash  :)

[Jayb]

I hope they will look quite similar to the ones in the picture above.  Which in turn were quite similar to Caldero F1, they are an ideal height for growing in a pot, and the chillies are not too small. I love the lemony yellow colour which ripens through to deep red. I've some of the F2 and F3 generation growing this year just to see how they compare, of course it is possible a bit of cross pollinating went on as last year they were not bagged! Ideally I'd like to keep the size plant but I'll be happy with whatever grows really, as long as they are not too hot  ;D

[Jayb]

Caldero update, the first picture are F2 plants grown this year, these were sown a couple of weeks earlier than the F3's. One plant is a bit taller than the others otherwise all look similar. Flavour is nice and not too hot for me  :)
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F3's, these are from the F2 plants I saved seeds from last year. Again the plants are a similar size to each other and the above F2's, but fruit seems slightly blockier? None ripe yet, hopefully soon.
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[tricia]

They look great Jayb. Are you saving seeds? If so, I'd love some later on - I'm still hoping my Peppadew are going to set fruit, then we could do a swap. Your Caldero sound good as I don't like them too hot either!

Tricia

[Jayb]

Sounds a great idea Trica  ;D I never have much luck with peppadews, so some nice fresh seed might be just the job. No worries if you don't have enough to spare, it's been such a poor year for so many things. 

I'm planning to save seed and I'd be happy to save extras, although I hadn't planned on bagging any. They are the only peppers/chillis in the greenhouse and I'm hoping most will be selfed or if crossed will be mostly Caldero x Caldero, worked pretty well last year (though it might be fun if they did cross).

I've some saved seed from last year if you prefer?

[Jayb]

I'm another generation on now, F4 - sown at the end of 2012. They seem really slow growing at the moment but hopefully with a little TLC they should pick up a little. They are mostly on 2 pairs of true leaves some with 3 pairs. I'm hoping they grow well enough to give me an early crop. 

I've also one plant from last summer in the house, not the prettiest of plants  but it seems to have put on a bit of a spurt with new leaves and quite a few flowers the last couple of weeks. A few fruit are setting but again they seem to be growing slowly.

[goodlife]

Are your plants under lights or are you having to rely on natural light?
They do look very pretty ..how's the hotness on each generation..still staying same?

[Jayb]

The babies are under lights though a bit stuck out on the edge, so not quite bright enough and last years plant is taking it's chances on the windowsill. Haven't noticed any real difference in the heat to be honest although both F2 and F3 were not so hot last year but I think perhaps that had much to do with the lousy weather. They are not hot in your league though! But they do make nice little plants, good size to grow in pots, fairly undemanding and quite early to fruit.

[goodlife]

They are not hot in your league though! But they do make nice little plants, good size to grow in pots, fairly undemanding and quite early to fruit.

I've got parchment mouth Yes..I do like 'bit' of heat...and often bit more..but I do start to have liking for some milder ones too..they are particularly nice for munching raw, sliced into sarnie etc.
Are you able to eat yours straight from the plant?

[Jayb]

Me, nooooooooo or I'd be
But I can do them finely sliced in salad or a sarnie! I'm sure I'm not the best to advise on how hot or cool they are, you could possibly munch on them and think they were too mild. You are welcome to try some seeds though if you have room for them I've a few things in an envelope about to be sent to you so no probs to slip a few in?

[goodlife]

Thanks for the offer, but I won't be able to do any justice for them this year. I'll keep eye on the development of your growing and would love to have a go another time.
I think this recent parcel have spoiled me plenty for trying to fit anymore 'try me' seeds 

[Jayb]

Lol, perhaps better to send you a couple of ripe peppers later on then you can taste to see if to your liking. Lol I'm opening mine later on