I've been growing Cayenne peppers all summer and have had great results. How can I keep the same plant for next summer? Do I cut it down?? I've moved the plant inside, but the aphids are killing me (they won't go away) and I want to just put the plant into hibernation. Please help!
2006-11-22 08:28:13 · 8 answers · asked by eyegirl 2 in Home & Garden ➔ Garden & Landscape
Get rid of the aphids immediately. Take the plant outside and spray heavily with insecticidal soap (follow instructions on the label of the container), making sure that you spray the underside of the leaves, as well. Literally DRENCH it. Let it set in a shady area (no sun!) for about 5-10 minutes, then thoroughly rinse all of the soap off with clean water. Bring it back in the house and set in the warmest, sunniest area that you have. Keep watered but do not over do it.
It may not make it until the next growing season because pepper plants are typically one-season plants. However, I have actually had pepper plants winter over (they weren't cayenne), so it is possible.
If you really like cayenne (and, who doesn't?), buy a packet of seeds in December and plant four to six seeds in small peat pots with a saucer or plastic tray under them in a window sill where the pots can get several hours of direct sunlight per day. Water until first sprouts appear, then stop watering from the top, putting water in the saucer or plastic tray only. This is important to avoid mold or fungus killing the new shoots. Peppers take a long time to sprout, so don't worry if it takes two weeks or more. When the plants are about an inch high, thin to one plant per pot. Don't set them out in the garden until all chance of frost is gone. Peppers hate cold, damp weather and do best in hot, dry areas of the garden.
Alternately, you could pick one of the mature cayenne peppers that you have and layout the seeds to dry. However, you might not get as good of a germination rate as those that you buy in seed packets.
Good luck!
2006-11-22 15:26:48 · answer #1 · answered by SafetyDancer 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If this is a true pepper plant, it's not going to do well in a container inside on a table. Pepper plants don't usually last longer than one season, although in warmer climates they might winter over. They don't need a lot of water or food, so on your schedule the roots might be drowning in water at the bottom of the pot.
I would suggest buying a deep pot and repotting. Be careful not to lose the soil around the root ball. Keep the pot in the sunniest location you have. Put a plastic pot dish underneath the pot and water from the bottom only. Don't overwater, and don't feed more than four times a year.
Even then, it might not do too well. But, that should improve things a bit.
2006-11-22 08:32:26 · answer #2 · answered by Hillary 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Pepper plants are meant to be annuals. However, you can rejuvinate your current plant by taking cuttings of the plant. To do this, select a healthy branch. Make a clean cut with a pair of clean scissors or pruners preferably below where there were several leaves. Carefully remove leaves to above the point you will put below soil level. Allow at least an1 1/2 or so to be below planting medium - minimum. Moisten end of cutting and dip end in rooting medium (hormone - can be purchased at most garden centers) and place in moistened potting soil, vermucilite, or seed starting mixture (sterile of course). Firm the planting mix around the cutting. Keep damp - not wet and wait for your cutting to sprout roots. To help the aphid problem - you can carefully wash the plant with insectacidal soap.
2006-11-22 10:49:25 · answer #3 · answered by Jules in NE Indiana 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Most chili pepper plants are annuals and will die. New seeds must be planted, Lady Bugs are carnivorous and can be purchased at you local Home Depot in the spring, they Love to eat aphids. Avoid any type of insecticide if you plan to consume your harvest.
2006-11-22 11:37:56 · answer #4 · answered by RUDOLPH M 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
You really should just get a new one, but for any other plant that you wish to keep warm during the winter, outside, a really good way to do that is to string Christmas lights around it. Seriously...it keeps the plant just warm enough to keep away frost.
2006-11-22 08:52:04 · answer #5 · answered by barefoot_yank 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's an annual. It will die. Start a new one in early spring for planting out next seaon.
2006-11-22 08:35:48 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Poipdr: hi, seems Texas has figured this one out. some sunshine and enable the Birds and Bees do their buisness, and voila! i imagine you've placed alot of TLC into your project Poipdr, i actually wish that it truly works out for you. reliable luck. Bertram
2016-11-29 09:19:45 · answer #7 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Your best bet is to start with new seeds or transplants next Spring
2006-11-22 17:06:14 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋