Flower drop probable causes:
1. Day temp too high >95F
temps here varying between 75-85
2. Night temp too low <65F or too high >85F
temps here varying between 55-65
3. Too much nitrogen fertilizer
fertilize once a week rotating between seasol, fish (both normally 1/2 strength) and full strength chilli focus. There's also chook/cow manure 13% in my pot mix and a few pellets of dynamic lifter on top.
4. Too much water
water once a day with around 100-150ml of water. Soil mix stays moist but drains very well so never goes soggy.
5. Low light levels (reduces fertility).
3-4 hours full sun then bright shade rest of the day
6. Very low humidity (reduces fertility)
humidity is low but not extremely
7. Poor air circulation (air circulation contributes to pollination).
it is quite breezy down the side of the house where they are kept..
8. Lack of pollinating insects.
definitely, I've put marigolds down there to attract more this year
9. Size of pot
half my plants are in 3.2gal and the others are in 5.3gal
10. Too much mineral in feedwater.
may need to look into!!
11. Too much grower attention/anxiety.
I water in the mornings and walk away, I did this way too much last year!
Thanks Romy6 that's good to know
Also let me be clear its c.chinense I'm having issues with here.. My c.anuums fruit like crazy in the same conditions. I will find out in the next few weeks if c.baccatum and c.frutecense have any fruit setting issues.
This is my soil mix in case it helps. I'm very happy with it so far:
46% coco coir
23% potting mix
18% perlite
13% manure
5% sand
This mix is light and full of air but retains moister and is well drained. The plants have grown quickly but I wouldn't say over the top, they look natural and healthy and are covered in buds everywhere.
I thought I had it right this year but but must be doing something wrong!