Refining Fire Chiles' chiles plants
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Me (on the right) and my son with the local scout troop and leaders An assortment of different chiles that I grow hydroponically in "The Garden" And of course, a photo of "The Garden"


Seed quality and purity—an important ingredient!

Seed isolation for quality and pure strains of chiles



I created this page to explain and show you what other seeds sellers will not show you. Majority of people who sell seeds on the web (excluding large seed companies) never planted a seed in their life. They buy as cheap as they can and do not care about the quality only the sale. The difference between me and them is I grow or have grown most of what I sell.

Bhut Jolokia chiles

Bhut Jolokia chiles

Bhut Jolokia chiles

Bhut Jolokia chiles

Bhut Jolokia chiles

Now first lets address Quality. Seeds can maintain a high germination rate for almost 5 years if stored properly. But 2-3 years is my standard. Seeds should only be harvested from ripe chiles. And then once chile is picked I wait 5-10 days before removing seeds from pods. This increases germination rate because it duplicates nature. Now when I dry my own seeds I air dry not sun dry. I do not ever use a dehydrator. When I slow dry my seeds again it helps the germination rate. I do my best to sort through seeds to remove any damaged or defective ones before storing. After 3 yrs I either give away free with orders or throw away.

Now let me address purity. And let me be honest with all of you. I do not grow every single seed on my website every year. There are two reasons for this. First reason is I can get some seeds at such a great price from either professional growers or wholesalers. So I only grow these varieties for chiles. But I assure you that all my seed sources are the best. Over the last 8 years I have grown from their seeds and never had a problem with germination or genetic purity.

One of my suppliers is a family owned operation that has been in business over 60 years! So now what do I do when I grow plants for seed production? I grow my plants in isolation so no cross-pollination happens. I also isolate by using small greenhouses that I have purchased or made myself. All my locations are miles apart. Many seed growers on the web especially the ones on sites like E Bay grow all their plants on the same property. Even if they have multiple acres they cannot guarantee that cross-pollination will not happen.

My plants are on my friends properties in 8 different locations. In 2010 I will be expanding to grow my seed stock in almost 20 different locations. Even though they are isolated I still cover once flowering begins. Because when you buy expensive rare seeds from me I will take every pre-caution I can. Because if you buy Trinidad 7 Pot, Bhut Jolokia, Naga Morich or Trinidad Scorpion you want to get what you pay for. Others will give you a song and dance. This page tells you what I do for you, my customers. So at Refining Fire Chiles I show you what others cannot show you. Proof with photos that I do what I say what I do. My prices may not be the lowest. But I will do whatever it takes to give you what you paid for!

God Bless and have great growing season!


Why I do what I do - Youth Venture

(http://www.yvcenters.com)


I was first drawn to chiles out of curiosity, not knowing that they would lead me to a greater purpose in life. Seeing the impact I had at the youth centers inspired me to do more for the kids, and the more I did, the more impact I had. God had introduced me to something as simple as a chile pepper. Where would it lead?


See more of the kids, special events and the visiting Aztecs team in the photo gallery
My inspiration came from God, the one who made chiles! I was bringing dinners weekly to two youth centers. The kids loved the food, and I began to love them. One day in 2006 I found myself with leftover food, so I went to a larger El Cajon center and offered it there. I remember a little boy asking me if I would be back. "Yes, I will," I replied.

Now I was at two centers on Wednesdays and one on Fridays.

My continued work with these youth is inextricably tied to, "Refining Fire." Though the business is not 100% non-profit, the expansion of salsa and chile sales enables me to increase my work with Youth Venture. The generation that succeeds us will inherit this earth. All of them were born with a purpose. We can contribute to their success by finding creative ways to love them.

Though I do not accept donations, you may contribute to Youth Venture by contacting Suzanne Alicardi at Foothills Christian Church (619-442-7728). I trust the our website will contribute to your knowledge of chiles and hydroponic gardening. Most of all, I hope that you will volunteer to help youth wherever you live.


Jim (Habanero) Duffy


Call me for more info on the world's rarest and hottest chiles (others also available) and get your fresh Gourmet Salsa now too—see the main site for more details! Also sign-up for hydroponics classes (must live in the San Diego, California area).



Phone (San Diego, CA)

619-504-9777


Or use our website contact form (above left)...