Update on my little hot pepper plant

8 years ago

last modified: 8 years ago

Hi guys,

Two months ago I asked for help here because my little hot pepper plant looked like it was about to die ([https://www.houzz.com/discussions/less-water-more-water-whats-happening-dsvw-vd~5327535[(https://www.houzz.com/discussions/less-water-more-water-whats-happening-dsvw-vd~5327535)).
lucky_cloudnoticed that there were two seedlings together - that's how they came from the nursery - this is what they looked like, very pale and they were not growing at all:

So I separated and replanted them. The one on the left didn't survive but the other one did and it's been producing fruit:

This plant is about 12" now.

I have no idea when I'm supposed to harvest the peppers. I forget what kind of peppers I'm growing. I went to the nursery looking for serranos but they didn't have them so I grabbed this one because the peppers on the tag seemed similar but the peppers growing on this plant don't look anything like serranos to me.

BTW, I've been fertilizing it with SuperThrive and an all purpose liquid fertilizer but I haven't been very consistent.

Featured Answer

TheyCallMeDave

8 years ago

I'd wait until they turn a different colour. Most peppers don't stay green. Lets say if in a month or two you don't see any colour change, I'd pick the biggest and most mature pepper and taste test it to see.... but I'd be patient for another month to see if they turn.

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Comments (10)

willardb3
8 years ago
The chiles aren't serranos.
Bleu (Zone 9b - So Cal)
Original Author
8 years ago
last modified: 8 years ago
Yes, I know. I was hoping someone here could help me ID the plant and tell me when it'd be best to harvest the peppers.
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Bleu (Zone 9b - So Cal)
Original Author
8 years ago
Okay, Dave, thanks. When chiles are green, do they taste milder than when they turn red? I'm asking because I was hoping I could use the ones I'm growing in my cooking. We like jalapeños and mildish serranos but can't really tolerate the hot ones like Thai or habaneros.
TheyCallMeDave
8 years ago
I have a feeling the pepper you have is not unbearably hot. If you want, try a mature green one and try one that's coloured and decide for yourself. If you want something spicy get one of these. Very flavourful and spicy.

I also had my first chocolate scotch bonnet from my garden yesterday. It smelled great.... But it might be a habanero... Usually the Habs I buy in stores have a chemical smell.

Anyways, I made stuffed peppers (homegrown bells)... Stuffed it with rice and ground beef... Some fresh garlic sliced up, onion, some seasonings and of course the chocolate hab/scotch bonnet. One of the best stuffed peppers I've had!
TheyCallMeDave
8 years ago
Furthermore... Back on topic, usually green pods are spicier and not as flavourful. When they turn red for example, they'll have more flavour and will probably ease up on spiciness. Anyways, even if they're super hot which I doubt, just use it in moderation. Mixing them into a chili soup or into a burger is a great option. It helps with the heat levels if you can't tolerate it.
Bleu (Zone 9b - So Cal)
Original Author
8 years ago
Thank you, again! :) Love stuffed peppers and yours sound delicious. I make them with either ground beef or rice, never mixed the two but I will next time.

Yes, I've cooked with red jalapeños and they tasted very different. Much more flavourful and milder than the green ones.

I'll let the larger pepper in the plant go red and compare it with the green ones. The plant has peppers of all sizes right now. :)
TheyCallMeDave
8 years ago
Let me know how you like it when you get a mature pod and post a pic... Maybe by than someone can better identify the pepper when they see the final product.
Bleu (Zone 9b - So Cal)
Original Author
8 years ago
Okay, I will. Take care.
Bleu (Zone 9b - So Cal)
Original Author
8 years ago
Me again, and my hot pepper problems :D!

This guy (maybe a jalapeño, not sure) is only 7 inches tall, about two inches taller than when I planted it:

But it's been on that spot since early June and though it's gotten bushier in the past three weeks and, if you zoom in, you'll see flowers and tiny peppers, it refuses to grow taller.

Is this a dwarf variety? Maybe it's sick? What's happening to the poor thing?