Chilies 2022

I think most chillis do prefer a bit more heat, or at least dislike the cooler temps more. I have just been alternating using what I have on hand at home which is baby bio and doff liquid seaweed extract. At reduced recommended rate and sometimes forgetting to use any.

Don't know what the discoloration is, doesnt look too bad though

 

I've not been a big grower of chilli's, as such because I dont like them.

But I have grown a lot of sweet peppers over the years, must say I have never had great success with sweet peppers outside, and I do agree that chilli's prefer more warmth, so I see both as indoor crops in the UK.

I've occasionally seen that dark marking on leaves of sweet peppers as well, I dont think its a problem myself, just a reaction to strong sunlight maybe in some varieties.

 

Hello JWK,

I've just been looking at your chili photographs. I think larger pots might help a bit as there's not much soil around the roots. As for the black colouration, could there have been a wet patch on the lower leaf that has caused a bit of black mould on the surface? Do you water from above or below as below might avoid the problem. Chilis like a much dryer soil than tomatoes. Some people only water when the leaves visibly can be seen to wilt but you have to be hawkeyed if you take that approach.
On the subject of feeding, I use tomato feed (Tomorite or similar) and I feed them every other time at the prescribed strength.
This year all my chilis are being grown hydroponically so the above information does not apply to me as I use Canna Coco 2 part mix in the actual water tank below the plants.
My sweet peppers have grown quicker than my chilis so I wouldn't worry about chili growth rate as this seems normal and they will grow much quicker as the summer temperatures arrive.

I hope this helps you. Let me know if you have any further questions.

Regards

Ademission

 

Went to 2 garden centres last weekend and picked up these for the season
A mix from mild to super hots

Question : Do I need to punch out the growing points to encourage more branching ? If so, when ?

 

Hello again JWK,

Yes, I'm sure it would be just fine to remove the affected leaves.

10 litre pots are my preference for chili plants. If you are watering from the bottom you can fill the pots almost to the top with compost to give the roots a good volume to grow in. If you are using saucers under the pots, I would start them on the staging. If they get too tall then you can move them to ground level. When the chilis get to about 24", then put 3 or 4 canes around them to form a cage to support them. Good luck and let me know if you have further questions?.

Ademission

 

Hello Sirius,

I would not pinch out the tops on the chilis as this may slow down the initial growth. With superhots in the UK you will need a growing season as long as possible so don't slow them down.

I'm interested to know what varieties you bought. If you get a minute, then please list them?

Your plants look about ready to pot on into larger pots (10 litres or so). This will also lower the risk of them drying out.

Good luck with them and keep us informed of your progress (lots of pictures).

Ademission

 

@Ademission

Thanks for the advice. I won't pinch out the tips.

I was going to leave the plants in the smaller pots for another week or two - until I can see rootlets at the drainage holes. Most look like they have just been planted up and didn't want to move them on again too soon.

I will make a note of the varieties over the weekend

 

My varieties :

Scotch Bonnet (saved from last year)
Armageddon (saved from last year)
Carolina Reaper (saved from last year)

Machu Pichu
Apache
Prairie Fire
Jalapeno
Hot Banana
Demon Red
Balconi
Bhut Jolokia
Chenzo
Cheyenne
Scotch Bonnet
Kristian
Habanero Chocolate
Chaing Rai
Fresno
Basket of Fire

Apologies for any potential spelling mistakes

 

Sirius,

Wow, that's a good mix of chili varieties. I hope you have enough room for them all when they get big!

There are a few in your list that I'm not familiar with but quite a lot that I've tried in previous years. I see you have 2 or 3 Superhots (Bhut Jolakia, Carolina Reaper, Armageddon). These are the ones that will need the longest growing season though in your case, they are the overwintered ones so you should be OK.

Thanks for listing them, I'll spend a bit of time looking up the ones I'm not familiar with but they look to be a good selection.

Best Regards

Ademission

 

My sister in law has given me some "chillies" the label just says cayenne, I'm not quite sure what to do with them, I presume they need to be potted up individually but I don't think they will stand up if I do that, what's the best idea?