Only thing I can say so far is WOW!
I had to skip ahead (from page 6, to the end!)...but will thoroughly read all again, and again, and AGAIN!
Honestly this thread should be a STICKY (if not already!!!)
So, I am origanilly an orchid grower...my wife is from Indonesia (BEAUTIFUL place to visit!). It was her that got me going on growing Chili Peppers, since most of my orchids have very specific growing conditions. I looked at a few other kinds of plants to grow, and it seemed natural to want to grow Chilies (plus we both like chilies and spicy foods!).
Due to my orchid growing, I have learned how to clone, propagate from seed (and orchid seed propagation is NOT easy). My "know-how on orchid cultivation is good, but my cultinvation for anything else is NONEXISTANT...
I have been reading, watching any and all vidoes I can get online or from the library.
This thread has covered so much for me, and as it was said earlier by PG (even before I read this thread and watched the videos he posted). Why don't more growers do the clone/mother road.
As the plant gets older it is MUCH better overall plant and producer.
There are a few questions on more details I would like to know, like:
- Fertilizers. Since I grow on an apartment balcony...chemical seems only route at this time. What would be a good NPK ratio. I am using a MSU Orchid Fertiilizer at the moment (Rain Water/RO 13-3-15 with Ca & Mg at 1/4-1/2 strength). Only using it because I haven't learned enough about what vegetables andf in particular Chilies require as a fertilizer. So many opinions on this subject alone!
- To confirm, when you cut back the mother, you remove ALL the leaves? When you clone, you remove 60% of the leaf?
- I live in Southern Ontario, Canada, and the weather here is very humid and hot (last year we had a few days with weather over 100 Fahrenheit! Is this to much for peppers or just in the comfort zone for optimal growing?
- Watering, SO MUCH DIFFERENT than orchid watering!!! Keep moist, wet or let them dry out a bit between watering? Very important info for me. Right now I am keeping them moist+.
- How do you dry out the pods for seed cultivation, I have bought a variety of pods from local grocery stores, some are matur some not...
Thanks again for ALL the info PG! VERY immpressive info!!
Just need to find Fatalii, Bhut Jolokia, Trinadad Scorpion seeds and I am set!
Hope this season is FANTASTIC for you and everyone else.
Mark