If you prune them up to the V in the stalk, the stem/stalk will thicken up. I wait until the plant is fairly acclimated and growing well before I do this, depending on pests, color, weather. I snip off blooms until the plant gets close to maturity height, allowing the support structure to thicken before fruiting. I get a decent grow season in TN. Mid April-Mid Oct. I never stake peppers.
This guy has some novel ideas akin to trellising etc:Â https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rTPiho8HUK0