Top or not?

[Earthrox]

Started 40 varieties of super hots.....all doing well

Some varieties are.growing tall and vinelike.....i.e. Bhut jolokia purple.

Can I top these pepper plants so they bush out?

Is pepper topping a common practice?

Thanks for the benefit of your experience!

 

[romy6]

Topping the plant will make it much shorter and bushier and could also end up in a higher yield in the long run. You can always experiment and topp a few and leave a few.

 

[LGHT]

I do that on some plants that like to grow really long and set big fruit like "big jim". It helps the stalks grow shorter and thicker so you don't need to tressle the plant as much.

 

[PIC 1]

That depends on the beach..................

As far as your plants grow I'd definitely cut back at this early stage of the game. First off your plants will receive more overall light (being able to bring the lighting in closer).

As said in a previous post your plants will bush out, believe me they will and you'll end up with more overall peppers by the end of the season.

But the main reason I do it is to keep from having to stake a tall spindly unsupporting plant when first planting out.

Greg

 

[Earthrox]

Thanks for the great input!

And sorry...it is actually the Naga jolokia purple that is super lanky.

Im guessing that may be a natural growth habit for that variety.....

Thanks again