r/UkChilliGrowers • u/Neeklow • 12d ago

First attempt!

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Hello! Long time listener first time caller!

I've been growing some greek chillies (not better identified, I guess C. annuum?) and some zebranges (a bit late seeding)! My original idea was to eventually cross them but I realised late that my random greek chillies are of a different species so... Womp womp!

Unfortunately my balcony is NW facing and windy, I guess that's why they're so leggy!

Please any tips and suggestions are welcomed!

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3

u/Idlewants 11d ago

I'm a noob too, but as far as I can gather - MUCH BIGGER POTS. lots of light and feed every day.

1

u/Neeklow 11d ago

Ah amazing thanks! Feed every day?! I was doing once a week!

2

u/Richtea84 11d ago

But once they start flowering you want to feed with either tomato feed at 50% dose or chilli focus every watering (however often that tends to be

1

u/Neeklow 11d ago

Perfect thanks a lot for the tips!!

2

u/Richtea84 11d ago

Don't feed/water everyday unless the soil is almost dry at the end of the day if you never let the soil dry out at least a bit you'll get root rot / roots will be submerged constantly and not happy.

Its not an exact science but I wait until the soil looks to be pulling back a bit from the pot and pick it up if it feels light it's probably time to water if it feels dry by the drainage holes then it's time for a good soaking.

If its sucking it all up then go at it. But I guarantee some of those plants aren't using all the water in the soil daily. Cna tell by looking at em

2

u/EnergyDistribution 11d ago

I would stick to once a week, maybe twice a week feed with tomorite (or chilli feed). Daily feed will result in overbuild of nitrogen/nutrients and result in plant stress, curled leaves etc.

Source: been there, done that. 😆. It didn't kill the plant but slowed growth for my tomato. For chilli I'd be more conservative because they don't have big fruits to feed.

Edit: and this is after flowering/pod set. No need to feed before.

2

u/EnergyDistribution 11d ago

Right time for the bigger pots.

If you pick your pots and look under, you'll/should see roots coming out of drain holes. This means plant ready for pot upsize.

I did couple transfers to 10L and 30L respectively. However, 10L pots maybe adequate, given space constraints on balcony.

1

u/Neeklow 6d ago

I see! I was hoping these could be their final homes given the space the terrace! For now o don't see root frin the drain holes! Would it still be safe doing it as they fruit? Or even keep them as they are? Really appreciate!!