Re: [CH] "Hardening" chile plants

Calvin Donaghey (gdonaghey@bitstreet.com)
Sun, 16 May 1999 20:03:51 -0500 

Ed-
There are some experts on Habaneros on this List (I am NOT one) but I have had my
hab plants out in the lower 40's when hardening off with no problems.  Full sun, on
the other hand, will do a lot of damage if the plants are not conditioned for it.  I
grew some under lights once that I thought were getting plenty of light.  When I put
them out on the porch (in pots) they immediately got sunburn (leaves turn light
colored and wilted a little).  I barely saved them.
    I found that starting them with 1 hour a day full sun (then shading with a light
cover or placing out of direct sunlight)-- for two days, then 2 hours a day for 3
days, then gradually increasing over a couple of weeks to all day works for me.   I
think plants with only limited light or limited wavelengths compensate by putting a
lot of energy into gathering photons.  When they get a lot all at once they soak it
all up and get sunburned.  If the burn is serious enough, it will kill the plant.
If the plants croaked quickly, that is probably the cause, barring cut worms, no
water, serious viral or bacterial infection or herbicide in the soil, all of which
seem pretty unlikely.  Good luck with your other plants.
Calvin

Ed Johnson wrote:

> Hello, Folks
>
> Please forgive me if this has been discussed recently, but I have been
> unsubscribed for quite a while, and just re-joined.
>
> What is the best technique for hardening indoor grown plants when setting them
> out outdoors?
>
> I started six habanero plants last February indoors under metal halide grow
> lamps, and they are now beautiful foot tall plants.
> About a week ago, I took two of the largest ones and set them outdoors. They
> immediately proceeded to croak. The one habanero plant from last year that I
> overwintered looks none too healthy either.
>
> I am in Maine, and daytime temperatures have been in the mid 60's, (F) while
> night-time temperatures have been in the low 50's - down to the coldest of about
> 48 degrees Fahrenheit. We have had mostly full bright sun for the past two weeks
> or so, except for just a couple of cloudy days with highs near 57 F.
>
> What is killing the plants? the cool evening temperatures or the full bright
> sun?
>
> I have grown habaneros in the past, but I started them outdoors, and they bore
> fruit in late August. I wanted to get a jump on things this year. I still have
> four plants in pots under the lights indoors.
>
>                               ....Ed Johnson....