Hot pepper plants keep growing and producing. I say don't cut them back or you'll lose productivity. Have you checked out thehotpepper.com It's the best forum for serious chili growers.

Actually I think you could do well going either route. What the guys further North do by root pruning and cutting most of the plant back does a lot to stimulate strong new root growth and over all health to the plant.

I have a jalapeno plant from last season in a three gallon pot that is looking pretty bad so I'm going to try doing the severe pruning top and bottom and re-plant it with some fresh soil. I figure there's nothing to be lost by trying.

I also have lots of seedling chillies that are struggling with all the cold we are experiencing. They will be coming in each night until this latest cold blast is over.

If you have enough light to provide your plants, you can keep them going indefinitely.
In fact, if you want to get those pods to ripen, you'll need to leave the plant intact.

I've ripened peppers indoors, and they just aren't as piquant or flavorful during the Winter.

Don't stop fertilizing, either - just fertilize at reduced rates: half or quarter strength,
depending upon how frequently you water/fertilize.


Josh