Not too late for 'standard' chillies (capsicum annuum). Seaspring seeds (just down the road from me) and south Devon chilli farm both send out plug plants mail order and you'll get much more choice than garden centre
Its not a question of having it my way, its what I have tried and the what I have found in the out come, I have two green houses which are hydroponic, (not heated).I have had them in there and out doors, if they are in a sheltered position they will survive without cutting back but the better harvest and better fruit are from the new season plants. The only chili I have had that has produced well and survived for years outdoors is a Birds Eye chili.
Fair enough it didn't work out for you..... Wouldn't want others to be put off though....
