Where Our Chilli Information Comes From
Understanding the Sources Behind the Chilli Growing Guide
At CHILLIESontheWEB and our Chilli Growing Guide, accuracy is essential — especially when working with rare and wild Capsicum species. The information provided in our product descriptions and chilli profiles is based on verifiable, published sources, not AI-generated summaries or blog speculation. Here's a breakdown of where this data comes from:
1. Botanical and Taxonomic Literature
We rely on peer-reviewed research and authoritative taxonomic studies to confirm species names, classification, and native ranges. Key references include:
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Barboza et al. (2019) – “An updated list of accepted Capsicum species”
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Eshbaugh (1970s–1990s) – Foundational work on wild Capsicum taxonomy
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International Plant Names Index (IPNI) and Kew’s Plants of the World Online
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Species monographs and herbarium publications
These are the scientific sources behind statements like "this species belongs to a basal clade" or "this name is now considered a synonym."
2. Germplasm Repositories and Seed Bank Databases
Many chillies we feature — especially those with accession numbers like PI, CGN, CAP, or BGH — come from official seed banks, such as:
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USDA GRIN (Germplasm Resources Information Network)
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CGN (Centre for Genetic Resources, Netherlands)
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Banco de Germoplasma de Hortaliças (BGH), Brazil
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CAPS (Chile Pepper Institute Accessions)
These records provide origin details, species classification, collection notes, and sometimes phenotypic data like plant size or flower colour.
3. Global Biodiversity Databases
To confirm native ranges and occurrences, we reference:
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GBIF (Global Biodiversity Information Facility)
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CIFR/CIAT – For Latin American crop species
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National herbarium specimen maps and seed passport data
This ensures we correctly state whether a chilli is native to Brazil, Peru, the Galápagos, or elsewhere.
4. Experienced Growers and Community Trials
When peer-reviewed data is limited (as is often the case with wild types), we supplement with:
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Grow logs and trial reports from forums like The Hot Pepper, ChiliGrowers, and research gardens
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Notes from seed banks distributing to hobbyists
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First-hand cultivation experience from long-term growers across the UK and EU
While not scientific, these help confirm pod size, heat level estimates, flower traits, and growth habits in real-world conditions.
5. Our Own Observations and Curation
Where possible, we grow, observe, and photograph these chillies ourselves — especially when introducing lesser-known accessions. We always cross-check against formal records to ensure what we publish is accurate, honest, and informative.
Summary
In short, every chilli description is carefully crafted using verified scientific data, official seed records, and real grower experience. We do not rely on generalised internet content or unverified AI answers. When we mention a chilli’s origin, species, or heat level — it’s because we’ve checked the facts.