Hello all, I'm Ray Z ;hence, my moniker for my hot sauces. Here in Santa Barbara about 1 mile inland, my growing conditions are good ;Yet not ideal , not enough heat, average temp is 72 in summer. We have abundant sunshine with some early morning fogs. to promote taller growth would you recommend trimming lower leaves early in season. Most plants are about 5 to 9 inches tall at this time. PS: a smile and a kind word can make a difference!!