I haven't had a deep dive in chilis (or paprika) yet. I've got a bit of experience, but my knowledge is still lacking.
This is why I'm asking you chili/ pepper nerds out there to fill my knowledge gaps :)
I've noticed that, of course, not only the fruits look and taste different.
The vegetative growth type is different too. The leaves are different sized/ shaped, some plants are compact bushes, some others are tall and leggy.
Just look at those. Thai chili (Capsicum annuum) left, Habañero (C. chinense) right. I topped them both at least once a while ago to initiate more node formation if that information helps.
That doesn't wonder me much at all, since they're different species.
On the plant label, same supplier and same label, it was said that one has a high, and the other a moderate water need for example.
My question is now: do different varieties (species, hybrids and breeds) have different needs in general? Light level, temperature, water usage, pruning, and so on?
Is there something I have to keep in mind when I look at the lineage of each? They probably come from different habitats after all, how does that translate to gardening conditions? Or, do I just treat them all the same?
How about overwintering? At the end of the season, I'd like to put them at an unheated greenhouse. It shouldn't freeze there I guess, but it will be really really cold. Like, just a bit above freezing. Would they survive in there? Pro: very bright, cold temps inhibit growth Con: could sometimes be very cold.
Or would a dark corridor at roughly room temperature be better? Pro: relatively warm Con: warm temperature and lack of light wouldn't stop growth and it might die a slow painful death due to lack of energy.
Should they get pruned before?
Most chilli can't take cold at all so would need to be overwintered inside. The exception to this is rocoto chilli, they are native to the Andes and are, imo, the nicest chilli out there. They are the only chilli/capsicum that I've grown that survives over winter, We just leave them outside in the garden bed where I come from, but it probably doesnt get as cold here as it does for you. They are a largish bush like chilli and are very prolific at fruiting. The flavour is spicy but sweet and tropical, so absolutly delicious and awesome for chilli sauce or just eaten fresh as part of a meal.
Thanks! I'll take a look at it :)