Check out this video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hq_KNAAG7j0. It should give you the basics of how to identify the genders as well as how to hand pollinate the flowers.
Are you sure they are not just the unfertilized female ovaries? Female flowers have what look like miniature cucumbers attached to their base. They will grow only if fertilized by the male flowers.
I should specify that I already have all of these seeds. They were the extras that were thrown in with my actual order. Unfortunately, I will be pushing it with the amount of peppers I have planned. Anymore and several will suffer.
No, the plan is to grow a total of 20 next season. Well...
Thanks to the generosity of pepperlover.com (Judy, you’re the greatest!), a $15.00 minimum purchase for the Chili Pepper Institute, and a hard cap on the amount of peppers I am able to support next season; I have been left with a dreadfully difficult choice. Which of the following peppers should...
Thanks for the answers guys! I guess it does makes a lot of sense that the need to pursue light nourishment would be a stronger drive for the plant than the need to adapt to physical stressors (in this case wind). It was really more of a conceptual question as I personally rush my plants...
Random thought of the day: In a low light situation (i.e. north facing windowsill) could a small fan blowing constantly over a seedling help prevent it from becoming leggy? Or does the thirst for light trump any effects from the fan?
4-5 hours of sin, eh? That might be your problem :)
But seriously, geeme is right. Harden them off over a few days and you'll be golden.
Welcome to THP!
I feel your pain! Though if I ever lose a pepper to lightning, I'm going to have to assume that it is the universes way to tell me to stop planting more peppers. :)
Looks like cutworm to me. I had a nasty batch of them in my garden this year.... bastards completely lumberjacked two of my peppers. Good choice with the Dipel, that should be the end of your problems this season.
Could be many things. Were they hardened off before they were brought outside? They could be over/under watered. It could be a nutrient problem. A picture would tell us more.