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deanriowa

Discounted peppers worth trying?

17 years ago

I picked up a Bulgarian Carrot and a Serrano del Sol pepper at a local hardware chain store for $.25 each.

The pepper plants are about 1 1/2 feet tall and the Bulgarian Carrot plant has three small peppers on it.

I have a couple extra spots in the garden where plants have been killed by wind and my dog. My goal isn't really to get any great production, but to be able to save some seeds for next year.

I have about 60 days left for my growing season. Any advice to get a few peppers from these plants?

Has anyone else grown discounted peppers this late in the season?

thanks,

Dean

Comments (8)

  • 17 years ago

    You could allways repot them in bigger containers and if your season runs out before the pods are ripe take them inside either until they ripen or overwinter the plants.
    It sounds like they pretty mature and probably rootbound.
    They might really take off when repotted or put in the ground.
    -----------------------------------------------------------
    Bulgarian Carrot Hot Peppers
    85 days. Capsicum annuum. Plant produces good yields of 3 ½" long carrot shaped peppers. Peppers are very hot and turn from green, to yellow orange, to orange when mature. Plant has green stems, green leaves, and white flowers. Peppers are crunchy and used to make pickles, salsa, and marinades. A heirloom from Bulgaria. pk/20

    I've seen from 70 - 80 days on other sites and it gets 18 inches tall.

    -----------------------------------------------------------

    Serrano del Sol Hot PeppersHP295-10

    62 days. Capsicum annuum. (F1) Plant produces good yields of 3" long by ¾" wide hot peppers. Peppers are hot and turn from green, to orange, to red when mature. The first hybrid Serrano overcomes the usual complaints about the lateness and small size of open-pollinated Serranos by maturing in only 62 days. The Serrano del Sol is hot, but not excessively hot. It also has a unique flavor, a flavor many people prefer than to Jalapenos. Serve whole or chop for sauces and salsa. Plant has green stems, green leaves, and white flowers. Excellent for making pickles, salsa, and sauce. Early variety suitable for short season regions. Plant Height: 32" tall. pk/10

    -----------------------------------------------------------
    I'd pot them up rather than put them in the ground.
    I think it would take less time for roots to grow in potting soil plus you can move them if it gets cold before you get ripe pods.
    Especially with the serrano.I've had them fruit all winter if it's warm enough.
    I have 2 two year old serrano plants that allways have serranos on them year round pretty much.Besides the one you have is a Hybrid,the seeds might grow something totally different.

    I'd think both plants will really take off when given some root room.I assume they are in 3 or 4 inch pots now.
    Go for it.

  • 17 years ago

    I agree. The plants are obviously mature, and wanting to set fruit but have no more nutrients available. They will squirm for a week or so, then should take off. I have done this the last two years, but not enough room or need to for this year. be sure to enrich the soil, but not enough to burn the plants. Make sure you have a good mix of N,P,K so the plant can still produce green growth as well as set fruit. Any yellowing or leaf drop i would give them a shot of a liquid N. 2 - 3 gallon containers should reward with results, and a 5 gallon if you think you still have the time. Mydarnself?? I'd go with a 5 gallon. good luck TiMo

  • 17 years ago

    I went back to the store and bought more plants. I have decided to plant half in the ground and take everyones advice and plant half in containers. I figured this way, I can see what works.

    Thanks again everyone.

    Dean

  • 17 years ago

    Got my purple jals that. It was a sad looking plant that was leaning so much it wouldn't stand upright on it's own. Took it home for $.25. Transplanted so it was more upright, got half a dozen nice pods off it, saved the seeds and started from scratch this year. I say do it! If it doesn't work out you lost $.25.

    -HabBob

  • 17 years ago

    That is exactly what I was thinking, all I want is a small taste of the peppers and if I like them I can save the seeds. I think I will be buying $.25 plants every year, if I can find them.

    I will let everyone know, if container or ground planting worked the best.

    thanks,
    Dean

  • 17 years ago

    You guys are just like me.
    The plants only one thin quarter....A bargain at twice the price.

    How come I left the store with a few cents out of that $100.00 bill? LOL
    Plants,potting mix,Pots,some neat toys(tools,gardening stuff,whatever) that just caught my eye and since I'm here I might as well get some of that too,maybe that too,it's on sale...
    Grunt grunt grunt........Tim Taylor style.

    I just came in for a couple $.25 pepper plants-gotta hit up the ready teller or break out the plastic.No more cash in my wallet. :)
    Yeee Haaa! Gonna come back tomorrow and see if some other varieties get put down to $.25.

  • 17 years ago

    deanriowa,

    heck yea it's worth trying for a pod or 2. i'd go for it if it were peppers of a variety i didn't have.

    look at the enjoyment value alone , not to mention the learning experience.

    the pepper and seeds is just icing on the cake ! or maybe ingredients in the salsa i should say.

    good luck,
    wildlifeman

  • 17 years ago

    Great idea! I always feel sorry for the poor rootbound leftover plants so if I see any on clearance I might do the same thing. I bet there are some Thais or ornamentals no one wanted. Maybe a cayenne or tabasco - I was gonna do those next year anyway.

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