How long to ripening? Bhut Jolokia

sirex · Oct 15, 2014

These things seem like they are taking forever!!!!

Now, the average high and low lately has been 86/63

Is this too low of a temperature to ripen? Should I pluck them and put them in a box with a banana? Or should I just hold my horses and not be impatient?

Thanks for looking and thanks for the advice!!!

Edit: We just had a cold front move in, the average low was at like 72-76. So the low 60's is a new fluctuation.

AZ-Mason · Oct 15, 2014

It should be fine... I've heard at least a month from when it reaches full growth. The temps shouldn't be an issue in the 60's either. Might slow it down a tiny bit, but that's it.

Phil · Oct 15, 2014

Yep, they do seem to take forever to ripen. A month or more wouldn't be out of the ordinary

sirex · Oct 15, 2014

Thanks guys! I guess I just have to have more patience.

geeme · Oct 15, 2014

Patience is definitely a requirement of growing. Note that we're getting down to the 40's here and pods are still ripening.

sirex · Oct 15, 2014

geeme said:
Patience is definitely a requirement of growing. Note that we're getting down to the 40's here and pods are still ripening.

Thank you for that. I didnt know they still ripen at that temp.

So, question then.The plants like a decently warm temp to grow and pod out. Around 75-85F being the optimal temp. Less than that, slowing growth a little. Correct?

Once the pod has reached maturity it will still ripen at lower temps just not as quickly, correct?

Thanks a bunch for the replies and insight. It is greatly appreciated!

Phil · Oct 15, 2014

I've found that at lower temps, the pods will start to grow smaller and begin to ripen faster...as if in a hurry to produce while it can. You'll see these commonly referred to as "winter pods". They usually don't have many, if any seeds, but are still good for eating and cooking with.

jakester · Oct 15, 2014

Yeah, We've been reaching the 40's at night here, and everything is crawling to a halt. My bhuts, however, are still slowly turning red. Green jalapenos are no longer hot, red habs are smaller, cayenne almost stopped, Hardly any buds on anything. I will soon be choosing the best lookers for overwintering. At 60, you are in fine shape!