Good work Bluebell, sounds promising!
I wondered what variety your chilli plants are? Also, when you cut them back did you remove the central stem by 2/3rds or was it removal/ shortening of side shoots etc.?
I’m quite taken with the idea of growing ‘Alberto’s Locoto’ from Real Seeds this next spring; it can be grown as a perennial fruiting for several years. Could be an attractive looking plant too 