I moved all my Chilli/Pepper plants outside for the summer to see if the fresh air, sunshine, wind, rain and buzzing insects would induce them to fruit better. I had some success with hand pollinating using a cotton bud, but a lot of flower drop too. It is experimental to see if the natural process can make more Chillis and Peppers without as much flower drop.
A sixth type I grew from store bought Chillis marked Zambian Serenade. I harvested some seeds, dried them and planted them. I have flowers but no Chillis growing yet!
Another Chilli question I googled was are Chilli/Pepper plants annuals? The ones that are fruiting now are 12 months old now. I grew them from seeds bought at Tatton Park flower show last July from the Robinsons stand. I read if they are kept inside over winter then they can last 2 to 3 seasons.
I have read that Chilli plants can drop flowers if they are stressed. I think if the flower has not successfully been pollinated then it also drops.
This year has been so educational watching these plants develop, and watching the flowers turn into Chillis or Sweet Peppers. It makes me want to buy more varieties of seeds and to grow a selection of the fruits. My wish list would include Habanero, Scotch Bonnett, andHungarian Hotwax to name a few. I read that the humble Habanero has whole recipie books given over to using it in cooking.
I have found a passion for growing Chillis this year.They have found a place in my gardeners green heart.
5 comments:
I always get lices on my chilli plants. Yours look great!
Happy gardening and happy summer.
Have you heard of chile peppers from New Mexico? They're a staple food in the northern part of that state, not as hot as the habaneros and the cayenne chiles, but hotter than sweet peppers. They are very tasty in a pepper stew.
Hi Britt-Arnhild thanks for your comment.You can always spray them with a plant mister, cold water and washing up liquid to remove them from the plants.I have a lot of Ladybirds too eating all the aphids.I will drop by your blog soon :) Happy Summer to you too..
Thanks Anonymous,I will look up New Mexico Chilli Peppers.The Pepper stew sounds yummy too, i will google for a recipie.
Hi David it was great to see Cat again.
Love your poppies...I have put some nice ones on my blog from my visit to France.
Hi Lynn,Will catch up on your blog soon.I saw lots of your garden photos and Libbys birthday party.How are your garden birds?See you sometime Lynn :)
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