Scotch Bonnet flowering but not producing

[Chapfam]

My Scotch Bonnet plants are about 3 months old and have been getting flowers for a few weeks but they just drop and we're not getting any peppers. It is hot and humid here, I am watering every 2-3 days, letting the soil get dry before adding more water. Obviously the leaves are curled, not sure if that's over watering, but I have checked and there are not insects or fungus that I can see. Any suggestions?

 

[DiggersJo]

Pollinate a few by hand. Assume they are outside, but if very hot perhaps not too many pollinators and that does not look like a lot of flowers. What light/sun are they getting and what feed?

 

[Chapfam]

Pollinate a few by hand. Assume they are outside, but if very hot perhaps not too many pollinators and that does not look like a lot of flowers. What light/sun are they getting and what feed?

Thank you for replaying. My apologies as this is my first try at scotch bonnets and I don't know what is normal for a lot of flowers, but we typically have 6-10 flowers at a time. We have the plants on the patio where they get morning sun but not afternoon sun. We have use a small amount of Miracle Grow all purpose fertilizer twice, once last month and again this month. I am watering with about 2 cups of water every 2-3 days, making sure the soil is not moist before watering again. I am sure I can google it but when you suggest pollinating by hand how does that work? If I have areas in my flower beds where there are lots of bees should I try moving the plants near by? Thank again for your suggestions and help.

 

[Chuck]

Just be patient. It will produce. The SB's I grew in La Porte were always a little later than most others.

 

[Chapfam]

Thanks Chuck I will wait and see. I still wonder if I am not over watering as I can't get rid of the curling leaves, so I will cut back on that a little to see if it makes a difference. Btw not sure what you do with you SB peppers but we mahe a Bajan pepper sauce that is great.

 

[Esther Knapicius]

Had one of those years ago. did not work well, so I tossed it.

 

[Chuck]

Thanks Chuck I will wait and see. I still wonder if I am not over watering as I can't get rid of the curling leaves, so I will cut back on that a little to see if it makes a difference. Btw not sure what you do with you SB peppers but we mahe a Bajan pepper sauce that is great.

I grow a lot of hot peppers of all kinds. I make different sauces with different types and with all of the peppers that I don't use for this I put them into a dehydrator and dry them. Then at the end of the growing season I take all of the different dried peppers and put them into a food processor and make dried pepper flakes. I only eat a small portion of the stuff I make and give away or sell the rest.
I think your watering technique is fine. I see no evidence of over or under watering. Those curling and wrinkled leaves are partly genetic and mainly climate related. The plant looks fine, don't worry about it

 

[Chapfam]

That is great to hear, now I'll just wait until the plant is ready to start producing.

If you would be interested the sauces I make is pretty easy: 1) 8-10 SB peppers (depending on size), 2) 1 large onion, 3) 1/4 cup white vinegar, 4) 1/2 cup water, 5) 1 tbsp turmeric, 6) 1 tbsp yellow mustard, 7) 1 tbsp brown sugar, 8) 2 tbsp veg oil, and salt to taste. Blend and boil for 20 minutes.

 

[DiggersJo]

Yeah the plant(s) looks very healthy. As for pollinating by hand, use a small fine painting brush or cotton bud and tickle one flower and then a few more at their middle, basically be a right "B" . The advice to be patient also sounds pretty good.

 

[Chapfam]

Thanks I will give that a try, appreciate the advice.

 

[dirty hands]

They may do better with more sun too. Morning sun is good but that hot afternoon sun would be better i think.

 

[Chapfam]

Thanks I might try that but it is extremely hot here in the afternoons (heat index 105-115).

 

[dirty hands]

You might have to ease them into it slowly at first to prevent burning them. But they should like the heat.

 

[Meadowlark]

Thanks I might try that but it is extremely hot here in the afternoons (heat index 105-115).

Houston in August...I would not give them all afternoon sun, and not after 3 pm. Htown sun is brutal this time of year.

 

[oneeye]

Hello and welcome friend.