The Hottest Pepper Blog

September 19, 2011

Getting Bhuts to Ripen

Filed under: Ask Jamie — Tags: , , , , , — admin @ 2:37 pm

Question:

Hello Jamie,
After 2 years I have had my best success with the peppers: 25″ plants with over 12 peppers about full size. I live in southest PA we have had 25″ of rain in the last 30 day’s. The plant is in a 15 gallon bucket. Last night it was 50 degrees, 80 during the day . What should I do to get these fruits red? I have a grow light if you think it is necessary.
Thanks,
Mike

Answer:

Hi Mike,
Nice, but if possible, you gotta get your plants in the ground next year. Your yield will go up to more than 300 peppers per plant if grown properly and your plants will be more than 5 feet tall and 3 feet wide. The Bhut Jolokia hates to be in pots. I have tried this many times and it just doesn’t work right.
As far as getting your fruits to ripen now, I have written a blog on this very thing on our website. Check it out and if you need more info. Get back to me.
Cheers,
Jamie

March 4, 2011

Tempermental Peppers

Filed under: Ask Jamie — Tags: , , , , , — admin @ 1:22 pm

Question:

Hi Jamie:

I’m starting up a couple of plants and have had some trouble germinating the first round of seeds.

I soaked the seeds in a small disposable gladware plastic container overnight (I used bottled water). I then put a paper towel over them and have kept it fairly moist/wet for a few days, but the seeds don’t seem to be doing anything.

I’ve also purchased some of those small degradable cardboard starter cups which I was expecting to use after they’d started to sprout.

I only used 5-6 seeds for this first round and still have plenty left.

Is there something I’ve done wrong here? Should I just try and germinate them in a bit of potting soil in the small cups?

The soil here in Kahului is quite sandy, so I was going to dig a 2×2 hole and use quick draining miracle grow potting soil after the plants had sprouted a bit in the small cups and transplant them into the ground. Then I was going to use fish meal extract for continual fertilizing beyond as needed. My stepfather seems to think the sandy soil is fine by itself for peppers, but …

Any comments you have would be appreciated, including if I need to wait a bit longer on the current seeds (it’s been about five days now).

My goal is to grow two plants this season.

Thanks!

Eric

Answer:

Hi Eric,
Don’t worry, they will come up if you keep them moist and warm. Sometimes it takes a month and sometimes it takes a week. They are very temperamental but once they get going, they rock!

The best soil is loamy and full of organic amendments. If your soil is too sandy, the nutrients will wash right through it. Make sure that your soil retains moisture to a depth of at least 16″. You can purchase a moisture meter for about $15.00- 20.00.

If you have any more questions, please email me.

Best of luck!
Jamie

July 12, 2010

Picking Peppers

Filed under: Ask Jamie — Tags: , , , , , — admin @ 12:20 pm

Question:

Hope you don’t mind another question or two…I have several peppers that are almost completely red with a touch of orange on the top and also several orange and of course new green ones. When do you pick the peppers? Then, do I put them in the fridge or leave them out? How long are they good for? Can you freeze them for future use? Should I take extra precaution with them in the heat?
Thanks,
Tom

Answer:

Hi Tom,
Pick your peppers when they are completely red but still firm and crunchy. Do not allow your peppers to stay on the plant past this point or they will become soft and limp. Rinse them very briefly in cold water then allow them to dry. Do not soak in water. They do not store well at room temperature, so get them into the fridge ASAP. It is best to vacuum pack them if you can. It is not a good idea to freeze them as they would be soggy when you defrost them. The best thing to do would be to cut them in half and then dry them in the sun, or dehydrate them. If you would like to use the seeds, take the seeds out first as the sun can damage their ability to germinate.
Good luck,
Jamie