Jalapeño Invitation 2008 - The Rules!

Rule number one, you must grow a Jalapeño variety but we do not mind which variety you grow. If you want to know which varieties are available, search here. You may be tempted to look for another variety that will outgrow the Jalapeño but we are not easily fooled.

Rule number two, unfortunately we aren't able to provide everyone with seeds. Fortunately Jalapeño seeds are quite easy to find. It doesn't matter where you get them from.

Rule number three, while we are confident that nobody will feel the need to cheat, from time to time we will be asking for photographic evidence of the length of some of the longer pods. If you find yourself at the top of the leaderboard, make sure you take a photograph of your pod showing how long it is as this is the only way we can confirm you as the winner! Please photograph your pod next to a ruler or tape measure. Please measure as accurately as possible - to measure your Jalapeño pods you needs to measure from the tip to just below the stalk, as illustrated right. The 2006 winners were separated by millimeters! thechileman will not accept a winning pepper without proof of its length. thechileman reserves the right to ignore entries that cannot prove their length. For curling pods we suggest using a piece of string to measure the pod, them measure the string.

Rule number four, this year we have a slight change in that we need your proof of length photograph to show the pod while it is still attached to the plant. The Jalapeño is a far more common pepper than the competition varieties we have asked you to grow in the past, so we don't want anyone photographing pods that they have picked up at a local market. You have to grow the pepper yourself.

Rule number five, the competition officially begins 1st January 2008 and will run until 12 noon (GMT) on Sunday 31st August 2008. This will allow fair growing time for both the northern and southern hemispheres.

Rule number six, the method you choose to grow you Jalapeño plant is up to you. In previous years we have had competitiors growing with biodynamics, hydroponics, secret fertilizer mixes, iron bru, and even West Country voodoo. We really don't mind how you do it, we just want to see some big pods.

Rule number seven, a pize will also be awarded for the best example of "corking". Corking is illustrated in the photograph on the right. Not all peppers exhibit corking, but Jalapeño are quite susceptible to it. It is a process where the pepper skin contains lots of little cracks. If you weren't expecting it you may mistake it for a damaged pepper and throw it out, but it is actually just an indication that the pepper is ripe to eat. In Mexico, peppers with corking are more valued than those without. thechileman also likes corking. take photographs of any nice examples you come across and we'll provide a way for you to send them to us in due course. the best will win a prize.

Rule number eight, competition winners will be notified within 7 days of the conclusion of the competition. Prizes are non-transferable and there is no cash alternative. Prizes are awarded at thechileman's discretion and no prizes will be awarded as a result of improper actions by or on behalf of any entrant. thechileman cannot accept any responsibility for any damage, loss, injury or disappointment suffered by any entrant entering the competition or as a result of accepting any prize.

Rule number nine, thechileman reserves the right to cancel or amend the competition or these rules at any time without prior notice. In the event of any dispute regarding the rules, conduct, results and all other matters relating to a competition, the decision of thechileman shall be final and no correspondence or discussion shall be entered into.

Rule number ten, while accepting that rule number eight is futile, thechileman recommends you don't take the competition too seriously. yes the prizes are fantastic, but play by the rules and enjoy growing your plants. enjoy the spirit of taking part, knowing that there are a hundred other people around the world who's significant others will also be asking them why they are heading out into the garden with a tape measure in the middle of the night. above all, have fun!