Another flower drop question...

My first habanero plants, in my first hydro system, are doing great except for some flower drop. I have read that excessive nitrogen will promote green, leafy growth and prevent flowering. The nutrients I'm using (BC) don't have a lot of nitrogen, and although I don't know the exact concentration, there should be more potassium and phosphorus than nitrogen in my solution. Overall, I'm conservative with the fertilizer.

My plants HAVE become more lush and green since I bought them. However, they do have flower buds everywhere, several of which started opening up a week ago. The problem is, they don't seem to want to open ALL the way; that is, the white petals open a bit, facing towards the ground, but then the whole flower falls off before the inner bits are mature.

So, my question is: Does this sound like too much nitrogen? I wouldn't think they could even start budding if there was. Or, is this somewhat normal? My plants are healthy except for the occasional random leaf dying, and I've killed a couple of whiteflies but I examine my plants closely each day and they're by no means infested.

By the way, I found this on YouTube:

Flower drop probable causes:

1. Day temp too high >95F
2. Night temp too low

Thanks Willard,

I cut the strenth of the nutrient solution down quite a bit. I also have noticed some of the flowers have started producing pollen, so I molested all of them with my finger. I thought the anthers (?) would open up more. Here's some pics, do these look big enough to start making peppers? I want to keep them short.

Are you measuring and keeping track of EC and PH in your nutrient solution?

I keep my nutrient, all nutrient, not just nitrogen, at from 20-30% what nutrient manufacturer's recommendations. Drop your concentration waaaaaaaayyyyyy back and see if things improve.

just my 2 cents but when my plants were inside they had wicked flower drop and what worked for me was hold back the water till they showed the slightest signs of wilt and also to diddle the peppers a bit. and lastly I put the lights on 13 hours insted of 16. after that they were makin pods like crazy. but not saying it will work for everyone, but it worked great for me.

willard3 said:

Are you measuring and keeping track of EC and PH in your nutrient solution?

Click to expand...

I monitor pH but not EC, I don't have a meter. I took your advice and put maybe 1 shot in that whole rubbermaid container.

VtPepper said:

just my 2 cents but when my plants were inside they had wicked flower drop and what worked for me was hold back the water till they showed the slightest signs of wilt and also to diddle the peppers a bit. and lastly I put the lights on 13 hours insted of 16. after that they were makin pods like crazy. but not saying it will work for everyone, but it worked great for me.

Click to expand...

I'm in hydro so I can't really not water it...but are pepper plants photoperiod-sensitive?

Thanks guys.

ryanmark said:

I'm in hydro so I can't really not water it...but are pepper plants photoperiod-sensitive?

Click to expand...

Chiles are day-neutral, ie, photoperiod had no effect on flowering/fruiting.