Topping pepper plants yes or no?

[Yogi]

There’s a lot of debate around it. Some say it helps the plant grow stronger and bushier, while others prefer letting it grow naturally without pruning the main stem.

Personally, I’m in favor of topping. I’ve noticed it encourages more side shoots, which means a fuller plant and often more fruit over time. It might slow things down a bit at first, but in my experience, the payoff is worth it.

Would love to hear what’s worked for you!

This is the full guide for growing bell peppers in containers:

 

[ThatsMyPurseIDontKnowYou]

I do. I've tried both doing it and not doing.

I start my peppers very early, this year I started them all on Christmas day, and I grow them in a grow tent inside until May when I can move them outside.

I top each one 2 or 3 times. I top the main stem, then after 2-3 months I top each of the main branches, and then depending on how big they get, I do it again.

I end up with a very low, but very bushy plant that produces a ton of fruit.

 

[oneeye]

Taking growing shoots in early vegetation will yield more branches. More the branches the more places for flowers, which will yield more peppers. The timing is what matters the most because topping late in the plant's life can hinder its vigour and growth.

 

[DiggersJo]

I've had to with my chillies as mine sit in 19cm pots and the branches were touching the ground/floor (were inside, now out for summer) and I don't want bigger pots as they live inside over winter. I'll have to wait and see the impact, but I've already harvested enough fruit to keep us and the kids supplied.

 

[Meadowlark]

Just for fun one year, I counted the number of jalapenos picked off one individual plant for a growing season...I lost count at over 300. The plant was never "topped", never fertilized after planting in my garden soil, and was dusted with Epsom salts.

I've never seen the need to "top" mine.

 

[yardiron]

I tried topping a few plants a few years ago and although the plant got bushier and put on a bit more fruit it was short lived, those plants died off first as the weather cooled in the fall. Those that I let grow, and had tied to a stake, kept putting on new growth and more peppers all the way until first frost. By November the stems on the uncut plants were like tree trunks. Those that I topped didn't make it past the second week in September.

 

[Meadowlark]

...By November the stems on the uncut plants were like tree trunks. Those that I topped didn't make it past the second week in September.

Not surprising to me at all...and very good reason not to top.

Here, those late harvests on "untopped" peppers in November/December are spectacular.

 

[Palladini]

Just for fun one year, I counted the number of jalapenos picked off one individual plant for a growing season...I lost count at over 300. The plant was never "topped", never fertilized after planting in my garden soil, and was dusted with Epsom salts.

I've never seen the need to "top" mine.

I also use Epsom salt dissolved in water in a spray bottle, and spray my plants weekly with this. I also have never topped a pepper plant, although in my younger years, I did top tobacco plants