I have a 1 1/2 year old Scotch Bonnet plant which showed the same symptoms as your Habanero plant.

What really jumpstarted my plant was simply adding bone meal to the soil @ about 18g/plant. A week later and the leaves were not only bigger and less curled, but also much healthier looking plant which grew a foot in no time.

When they curl up it can be an indication of lack of nutrition.

Also, make sure you let the soil dry out in-between watering.

Get a small paint brush and hand pollinate your buds when they open morning to mid day. Some will fall off others will turn into nice peppers.

Good Luck!

http://forums.gardenweb.com/forums/load/pepper/msg051230183640.html?6

Hi WoH,

Check out the website below. It's not a bad read, and something might jump out at ya'. Be sure to scroll down a few pages; there's photos of some of the ailments.

Speaking of Jalabanero, did that cross finally take for ya'? Seems like I remember you saying it didn't work a few years ago. Did you finally get it to take? If so, what generation are you on?

Good luck.

Rick

Here is a link that might be useful: University of Maryland IPM (.pdf)

I tried a recommendation of Epsom Salt and seeing how that goes. By next week if I do not see any improvement I will try the Bone Meal.

The buds aren't even getting to the flower stage.

rdback: The Jalabanero plant is 4 yrs old now. None of my other attempts at crosses took the last two times I tried, so I gave up on crossing for the moment. Once the Jalabanero fruits this year (this month) I will be more than happy to send you some seeds.

-WoH

Habaneros and Scotch Bonnet peppers in particular need good amounts of calcium throughout the growing season. Scatter a few tbsp of bonemeal around the plant [keeping away from the stem], and water in [or even some finely crushed dried eggshells mixed into the soil]. Do this once every 2 weeks until you see the leaves flattening out and looking healthy once again. it shouldnt take more than a month or so. A scattering of epsom salts around the plant wouldn't hurt either, but that's it. stay away from any fertilizers until the plant gets 'back to normal'.

happy growing!

jah

No fertilizer? Not even some fish emulsion? Nothing? Your pepper may be starving since it's in a pot and not the ground were roots can spread and seek "nourishment." Most of my peppers are in the ground. Those in pots get Miracle Grow for tomatoes and fish emulsion. I also alternate and use Rose or general Miracle Grow. Pot soil gets depleted rapidly.

WoH,

I would be happy to grow out another generation of the Jalabanero, or at least try lol. Just let me know when the seeds are ready.

Thanks for the offer.

Rick