Updates
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End of May at South Devon Chilli Farm: Chilli Plants, Fresh Chillies & What's Next for Summer
by Charlotte BurdettMay marks a major turning point at South Devon Chilli Farm. With the last of our pre-order chilli plants now dispatched, our nursery is beginning to look a little emptier for the first time in months, a very proud moment after a busy spring. Meanwhile, our production tunnels are fully planted and growing well, setting the stage for this year's fresh chilli harvest, and our popular Show Tunnel is now open to visitors. Find out what we've been up to and what's coming next as we head into summer.
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South Devon Chilli Farm Wins RHS Gold Award at RHS Malvern Spring Festival 2026
by Charlotte BurdettWe’re thrilled to announce that South Devon Chilli Farm has won GOLD once again at the RHS Malvern Spring Festival, making this our third RHS Gold Award in a row! After months of hard work, preparation, and dedication from the whole team, seeing that Gold Award waiting for us on Thursday morning was an unforgettable moment.
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2026 so far | Farm Shop, Family Days Out & New Products in Devon
by Charlotte BurdettUses: Extra Dark Chilli ChocolateDiscover what’s new at South Devon Chilli Farm this spring. From a refreshed farm shop and updated branding to exciting new chilli chocolate products and a family-friendly play area, there’s plenty to enjoy. Whether you’re planning a day out in South Devon or looking for unique foodie gifts, it’s the perfect time to visit.
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How to Prick Out Seedlings (Even When They’re Leggy)
by Jenny MadhooIf you’ve ever raised seedlings at home, you’ve probably asked yourself: When should I prick them out? And more importantly, what do I do if they’re already looking tall and leggy? Don’t worry- leggy seedlings aren’t a disaster. In fact, with the right technique, they can be pricked out successfully and go on to become strong, healthy plants. Here’s a simple, practical guide to doing it properly.A Quick Look at Leggy Seedlings Izzi recently sowed some seeds, and within just over a week, they had germinated beautifully due to our professional setup (heat mats and heated propagators) they grew quickly and vigorously. But like many fast-growing varieties, they were already looking long and leggy. This is completely normal, especially with vigorous growers. The key thing is that they’re healthy: No signs of damping off No mould Strong, white roots Firm stems If that’s what you’re seeing, they’re ready to prick out. What You’ll Need You don’t need fancy equipment. Small pots filled with a suitable growing medium (for example, coir-based compost or fertile fiber) A dibber - or improvise! An old biro pen with the ink removed works perfectly. Seedlings. Ours were sown into vermiculite, which makes separating them much easier Step 1: Prepare the New Pot Using the pointed end of your pen or dibber, make a hole in the centre of the compost. It needs to be deep enough to accommodate the roots and some of the stem, especially if your seedlings are leggy. Set the pot aside, ready. Step 2: Separate the Seedlings (The Right Way) If you’ve sown into vermiculite, you’ll find it’s a forgiving medium. Even though roots may be intertwined, they separate quite easily. Here’s the most important rule: Always handle seedlings by the leaves – never by the stem. The stem is the plant’s lifeline. If you damage it, the seedling will likely die. Leaves, however, can regenerate even if slightly damaged. Gently lift the seedling by a leaf and tease the roots apart with minimal pressure. You’re not gripping tightly, just supporting it enough to move it safely. Step 3: Plant Deep (Especially for Leggy Seedlings) Lay the roots into the prepared hole. With your dibber or pen, gently push the seedling down into the compost at the point where the stem meets the roots. Bury part of the stem so that: The roots are fully covered The stem is buried up to just below the leaves The leaves remain above the soil surface This is especially helpful for leggy seedlings. Burying the stem helps stabilise them and encourages stronger development. Once positioned, gently backfill the compost around the seedling using your fingers. Make sure: There are no air gaps No roots are exposed The plant is upright and secure And that’s it. Preventing Leggy Seedlings in the Future Legginess usually comes down to one thing: Light. Seedlings stretch because they’re searching for light. If they don’t get enough, they grow tall, thin, and weak. Here’s how to prevent it: 1. Maximise Light Place seedlings on the brightest windowsill possible, especially during winter months when daylight is limited. 2. Remove Propagator Lids Early Once seedlings emerge, take the lid off during the day. This: Reduces excessive heat Slows overly rapid growth Improves air circulation Leaving seedlings too warm encourages fast, weak growth. 3. Introduce Gentle Air Movement A small fan or natural airflow strengthens stems. That slight movement mimics outdoor conditions and encourages sturdy, resilient plants. Even simple ventilation during the day can make a noticeable difference. Final Thoughts Leggy seedlings aren’t a failure; they’re just responding to their environment. With careful handling and proper planting depth, they can thrive. Remember: Handle by the leaves Bury the stem, not the leaves Ensure roots are fully covered Improve light and airflow to prevent future legginess Be gentle, take your time, and your seedlings will reward you with strong, healthy growth. 🌱
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Why Buy Your Chilli Plug Plants from South Devon Chilli Farm?
by Jenny MadhooIf you’re planning to grow chillies this year and want the best possible start, our chilli plug plants are a brilliant option. In this blog post, we’ll walk you through exactly why buying your plug plants from South Devon Chilli Farm makes a real difference and it’s all thanks to how they’re grown from day one. 1. Grown Using 100% Renewable Energy All of our chilli plug plants are produced using 100% renewable energy. That comes from a combination of: Solar panels on our farm buildings Natural sunlight powering plant growth Renewable energy suppliers when solar alone isn’t enough This means your plants are grown as sustainably as possible, without reliance on fossil fuels -something we’re incredibly proud of. 2. No Pesticides - Ever! We don’t use any pesticides at any stage of the growing process. Aphids and pests can appear later in Spring (it happens to the best of us), but instead of spraying chemicals, we rely on natural predators such as ladybirds and parasitic wasps to keep pest populations under control. This approach protects the plants, the environment, and you - and results in healthier, more resilient chilli plants. 3. Individual Care, Love, and Attention Perhaps most importantly, every plug plant we grow receives individual care and attention. At this time of year, many of the plants that will become our crops and mail-order plugs are just being sown. You’ll find rows of propagators ready to be filled, and others already carefully planted. Each variety is sown separately, by hand, with close attention paid to accuracy and consistency. With so many chilli varieties looking very similar at the seedling stage, meticulous record-keeping ensures that what you order is exactly what you receive. 4. Grown in Optimum Conditions from Day One All of our plug plants start life in warm, well-ventilated polytunnels, giving them the ideal balance of heat, airflow, and light. Hygiene is taken extremely seriously in our nursery tunnels. Everything is kept clean and disinfected to reduce disease risk and give seedlings the healthiest possible start. 5. Carefully Prepared for Posting Sending live plants through the post isn’t something we take lightly - and while we can’t control what happens once parcels leave us, we do everything possible to protect your plants. We only send plug plants once they are: Well-rooted and firmly held in their plug Producing true leaves Strong enough to handle a bit of movement Our custom packaging holds each plug securely in place, while leaving protected space above for the foliage so nothing gets squashed in transit. 6. Limited Numbers, Maximum Quality Because space in our nursery tunnels is limited, we cap the number of plug plants available for pre-order each year. This allows us to maintain the highest standards of care rather than overstretching production. Pre-order plug plants are expected to begin shipping towards the end of March, weather permitting. We’ll be sharing regular updates across our social media channels so you know exactly when to expect your plants. Don’t Miss Out Our plug plants sell out quickly every year, and once they’re gone, they’re gone. If you’re planning your chilli growing season, we’d strongly recommend pre-ordering early to avoid disappointment. Healthy plants. Grown sustainably. Packed with care.
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