Chilli plant problem

I have grown chillis without too much difficulty in the past. However, my latest chilli plant, a Carolina reaper, isn't playing ball at all for some strange reason.

It's at the flowering stage at the minute, and there are lots of them, good crop I thought. But instead of the flowers turning to chillis they are just dropping off the plant when they have finished blooming, flower stalk as well.

The whole flowers and stalks are just dropping before the chillis even have a chance to start developing. I've never had this happen before. Any ideas anyone?

 

Is it getting pollinated?

 

What, as in outside with insects?? It's on an inside windowsill, just like all the others I've had. I've had chillis off all my past plants, also grown inside.

How strange.

 

Maybe in the past I've had insects come in from open windows and such to give my chillis a helping hand.

It may be too late for this plant now, I'll know next time. At least I've got a good excuse now to get out of the Carolina reaper eating contest with my son!! Lol.

 

Chillies are self-pollinating, but sometimes need a little help to get the pollen to transfer inside the flower. I'd do as @JWK suggests.

 

Use a small water colour paint brush and DIY it.

 

This site might be of use. I've not looked at it myself as it has too many cookies....

 

The correct Chilli advice on growing from seed is very contradictory. Too much water, too little water. Too much light. Too little light. Always water from the top as roots do not like standing in water. Water from the bottom is a must. Water every day. Water once a week. The opposite advice is endless which is very confusing for beginners growing from seed. My advice is to buy a cheap water meter and use common sense.

 

@waterbut I would find a method that works for your conditions and varieties and stick to it.
More info will be found here as spring approaches Chillies 2025
Chillies need a longer growing season than tomatoes and also a bit more heat to get them started.
Personally never needed or bothered with a water meter.

 

I found blossoms will drop if the temperature is too low. Chilies can get quite annoyed if not enough heat is supplied.

 

The non-anuum species make way less pollen. you will need to manually remove an anther and pollinate each flower. if you look at an annuum and tap it youll even see the huge pollen load it drops. Flowers falling is classic non-pollination.

Theyre perrenial and I cant be bothered so I just let it grow leaves then put it outside in may