I have been waiting so impatiently for my peppers to ripen so 1) I can save seeds for next year and 2) to eat. I have been waiting for what seems like forever now plenty of buds still loads of peppers but nothing close to ripe... what gives...I swear I have had peppers on the plants for almost two months and nothing ripe. I have been eating **gasp** green ones but I want them to turn now dammit. What can I do ? do I need more fertilizer? supplement the soil with anything what, what, what..... temps are starting to get in the 40's at night now too..
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What can I do .....
- Thread starter LUCKYDOG
- Start date
DON'T DO ANYTHING!!!I have heard of fertilizers keeping peppers in the growing phase rather than the ripening phase. Do not fertilize, if your temps are that cool at night you are just wasting fertilizer at this point anyways(unless you are going to bring them inside).
You might take a few peppers inside and put them in a sunny window to ripen. You don't want all of your eggs in one basket.
You might take a few peppers inside and put them in a sunny window to ripen. You don't want all of your eggs in one basket.
Something I've heard about that I've never tried is that if you stick a shovel in the ground around a pepper plant, about 6 or 8 inches from the stalk, it disrupts the roots enough to stimulate the plant to ripen fruit.
Just stick it straight down, don't lift, and don't go up under the plant.
I will repeat, I've never tried it, just heard other gardeners talk about it. Maybe you could try one or two plants and see if it works.
Just stick it straight down, don't lift, and don't go up under the plant.
I will repeat, I've never tried it, just heard other gardeners talk about it. Maybe you could try one or two plants and see if it works.
LUCKYDOG said:
Thats got to be like some kind of horrible torture
if you pick a few of the pods it may enable the plant to focus it's attention on the remaining pods and bring on the ripening. try it on one plant and see how it goes. if you pick green ones that have slightly started to turn they will still ripen if left out of the fridge but the seed may not be viable as they are best left on the bush until fully mature to have the best chance of germination.
bentalphanerd said:Thats got to be like some kind of horrible torture
It is the Siams Piquins and Habs are just hanging there shouting rude comments about me as I walk by... maybe its like the watched pot..... ?????
I have been noticing that some piquins are turning a purple color they are still firm. ???
are they in pots or in the ground? if in pots put them in the sunniest place you've got.
LUCKYDOG said:
Turning purple is probably going to lead to red.
Have you cut back the watering, a bit of dehydration might kick start the process too.
bentalphanerd said:
Purple on some of the Piquins -- Siams and Orange Habs are holding out ... stopped watering out of disgust ** I didnt meant it .... dont tell 'em I said that** I tried the shovel thing that Pam suggested on one of each.... the night are getting cooler in New England I am hoping the lack of daylight will make a push... but I will wait and hope
any improvement LUCKYDOG?
bentalphanerd said:
Why yes and thank you for asking
--- I left them alone and ignored them -- and I spotted from my kitchen slider -- Two red dots and two yellow yesterday !!! Piquins are beggining to ripen and Siams and I have an Orange Hab starting as well -- The mystery Thai that you sent is putting out pods so I hope to see them soon as well -- 
Thats great news mate. Your predicament has been keeping me awake nights...what a nightmare scenario. Loads of pods, but unable to ripen. :shudder:
I'd still suggest leaving them on the plant as long as you can after they change color, it should maximize the heat and give you seeds for next season.
I'd still suggest leaving them on the plant as long as you can after they change color, it should maximize the heat and give you seeds for next season.