Re: [CH] "Hardening" chile plants
Ed Johnson (ejohnso1@maine.rr.com)
Sun, 16 May 1999 21:27:47 -0400
Thanks for the quick reply, Calvin.
Yes, when they died, they first got light colored and sort of silvery looking splotches
on the leaves which spread to each whole leaf. Then the leaves simply dropped off - all
of them.
I have another plant that I just set out that I'm protecting from full sun. I placed it
under the shade of a maple tree which allows little spots of sun shine through. We'll
see how it does. If it shows signs if distress, I'll move it under the porch and
introduce it to the sun as you suggested.
None of the other causes that you mentioned apply.
....Ed....
Calvin Donaghey wrote:
> 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