Shrivelling Chillies

Discussion in 'Edible Gardening' started by Stunning Peter, Jun 23, 2014.

  1. Stunning Peter

    Stunning Peter Apprentice Gardener

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    Bought this about 6 weeks ago from Waitrose. First had it in the greenhouse, kept it watered and sprayed - but started to show signs of stress; thought it might be getting too hot so moved it outside about three weeks ago and gave it less water (twice a week) - still no improvement. When I first bought it the chillies ranged from yellow, through orange and some were red. They are all now orange/red and shrivelled; some have only formed as big as a thumbnail before shrivelling. Never grown them before, there are no new fruits - but there haven't been any new flowers since bought. Help, I've now run out of ideas!
     
  2. Loofah

    Loofah Admin Staff Member

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    Change in environment probably. keep soil damp not wet. it looks like they're rotting on the branch. moving outside without hardening off won't have helped but it should adapt but may not be prolific in fruiting
     
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    • noisette47

      noisette47 Total Gardener

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      You need to pick off the mature red fruit. Most plants will stop producing flowers once they have set viable seed, so harvest your chillies as soon as they turn red to encourage more flowering:)
       
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      • shiney

        shiney President, Grumpy Old Men's Club Staff Member

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        If they're left on the plant chillies start to shrivel once they have reached full maturity. It could simply be just that. They need picking and eating :). I'd prefer to look on the bright side and hope that they are just mature chillies.

        That chilli in the front does look as though it may be starting to rot (as Loofah has said) so definitely remove it quickly. If it feels soft and a bit squiggy (technical word :heehee:) then throw it away. The rest don't look too bad but need harvesting.

        From what I can see of the leaves, the plant doesn't look too stressed but having put it outside without hardening off wouldn't have helped it.
         
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