Behind the Scenes: Seed Season at South Devon Chilli Farm 🌶️
It’s that busy (and slightly spicy!) time of year again at South Devon Chilli Farm as we dive deep into seed-packing season. Every year we collect around 2.5 million chilli seeds, and each one goes through a surprising amount of care and attention before it reaches our growers.
Why Germination Testing Matters
Not all seed sellers carry out germination testing, but for us, it’s non-negotiable. We want every grower (whether you’re a curious beginner or a seasoned chilli head) to have the best possible start.
Our seeds go through detailed germination tests to make sure they meet extremely high viability standards. Only after they pass are they sent to our packing area.
Manual Packing: Slow, Steady, and Essential
Once the seeds arrive in batches of 10,000–15,000, every pack is counted and filled by hand. Yes- every single one!
It may sound old-school, but this hands-on approach gives us one last chance to check quality. As we pack, we look out for any dark brown seeds, which may indicate poor viability. If they don’t make the grade, they don’t make it into your packet.
All in, we pack around 9,000 seed packets a year. Some varieties are especially popular, like Jalapeño, Carolina Reaper, Ring of Fire, Scotch Bonnet, and Padron- so we prepare plenty of those.
New Varieties for the Chilli Community
This year, we’re excited to introduce several varieties that chilli enthusiasts will definitely recognise. Look out for:
- Mantis Claw
- Purple Death
- Chocolate Reaper
- Mustard Bhut Jolokia
- Fried Chicken – the one everyone’s been asking about!
In total, we’re sowing and packing 144 varieties this season. Some seeds are also held back for use in our plug plants and potted plants later in the year.
When Should You Start Sowing?
For many home growers, the chilli season starts earlier than you might think.
- Super hots: January
- Other varieties (like Jalapeños): February - March
That means now is the perfect time to browse our seed selection and get ready for your 2026 growing season. Seeds also make fantastic Christmas gifts for the chilli grower in your life!
A Quick Look at How We Pack
Here’s a peek at the process using Scotch Bonnet seeds as an example:
We count out the seeds- Scotch Bonnet packs contain 15 seeds, while some newer varieties come in packs of 10- seal them in airtight bags, and label them ready for you. Properly stored, chilli seeds remain viable for up to three years, but the ones you’ll receive have been freshly picked and packed this season.
If you’re planning your next chilli-growing adventure, head over to the shop section on our website and explore all 144 varieties available for 2026.
Happy growing- and happy browsing! 🌶️🌱