[CH] Tale of Two Serranos

Senor Chile Monger (supervisor@scudder.sbceo.k12.ca.us)
Sat, 30 May 1998 13:19:51 -0700

Two Serranos plants I had in my garden last year were very disappointing
producers I think, in part, because of inadequate light and the general clay
nature of the soil in the area they were planted.  So, at the end of the
season, I shoveled them out of the garden and into 14" pots lined with
potting soil.  I also cut them back to about 6' high as they had become
spindly because of the inadequate light.  They survived outside along the
south side of the house all winter despite 40+ inches of rain,
hurricane-force winds (clocked at 86mph one night) and a couple of sub-32
degree nights.  This year they are going crazy!  Both have heavy foliage and
have tripled in size, only one though is setting any blossoms.  I've
inspected the blossomless one very closely and see no sign of buds, the
other has 8-10 blossoms with many buds on deck.  I've fertilized them both
the same, that is, once with 10-10-10.  Does anyone have an explanation,
theory, hunch?

Thanks for you thoughts.

In Chiles,

Doug