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Carolina Reaper problems

Hi All,
 
I am growing reapers in soil and they are not going very well atm.
 
Indications are- stunted growth, yellowing of leaves, some leaves are browning on the exterior, purple stem at the top of the plants. Take a peek at photo's attached.
 
Plants get watered everday.
 
Soil not perfect rather sandy.
 
I mixed in cow manure and water saving crystals when preparing the soil three months ago.
 
Any ideas?
 
Cheers
 

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Well, the leaves have marginal clorosis and necrosis, which suggest at least considering whether they are potassium deficient.  Potassium deficiency is more common in sandy soil and leads to stunting and general malaise, so many things fit here.  It's hard to say though, just because there are signs of potassium deficiency that that's for sure what it is or that it's a lack of potassium in the soil that's causing it.  I don't like to jump to fertilize immediately because that can sometime compound problems, like in a lockout scenario, but in this case I might try adding some gentle balanced fertilizer and see if that helps. Maybe liquid fish with kelp if you have it or side dress and water in something dry.
 
is it extremely hot right now where you are? you said you water every day and it may be too much unless it is very hot there now. the leaves will droop when the plant needs water. 
 
Hey Steve. Came back to say I'd consider mulching around the plant as that would help with moisture retention and keeping the roots cool. You could even include compost with the mulch to provide nutrients. 
 
If I were prepping your soil (the way I understand it) prior to planting I would personally look toward adding some peat moss (pH balanced with lime) and then mature compost with a handful of balanced fertilizer.  Both peat and compost will help a lot with water retention and the compost with a little time-release granular fertilizer will help provide balanced nutrients.
 
Good luck!
 
luvmesump3pp3rz said:
is it extremely hot right now where you are? you said you water every day and it may be too much unless it is very hot there now. the leaves will droop when the plant needs water. 
 
Its just the start of summer weather here mid 20degC etc,  got to 37degC last week one day
As I mentioned soil is very sandy water just sits on top and I've added a soluble soil wetting agent as well
 
CaneDog said:
Hey Steve. Came back to say I'd consider mulching around the plant as that would help with moisture retention and keeping the roots cool. You could even include compost with the mulch to provide nutrients. 
 
If I were prepping your soil (the way I understand it) prior to planting I would personally look toward adding some peat moss (pH balanced with lime) and then mature compost with a handful of balanced fertilizer.  Both peat and compost will help a lot with water retention and the compost with a little time-release granular fertilizer will help provide balanced nutrients.
 
Good luck!
Thanks CaneDog all good advice !
 
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