[CH] Growing Chinense in cooler climates
Vancouver Pepperman (vanpepperman@shaw.ca)
Tue, 05 Aug 2003 18:26:25 -0700
Hi all,
What I'm looking for are pointers from experienced growers on how to grow
and care for chinense plants indoors. I'm using an old 4'x2'x1' aquarium and
four high intensity fluorescent bulbs, two of which are grow-lites. I also
bought a waterbed heater and thermostat so that I can warm the tank for a
few chinense plants.(habanero, red savina, fatali).
I have two problems. The tank is only 2' tall, and I think that most
plants will want a lot more room to grow. What are the effects of pruning
the plants as they reach that height? I expect a loss in yield, but will I
see any bloomage at all?
Second, if I were to remove the plants from the aquarium when they reach
the two-foot height, how well do they fare as indoor plants? By my
understanding, they need bottom heat to establish a root system. But once
they are well out of their primary growth phase and have started to blossom,
is this bottom heat still necessary? Must I keep continual heat (23-30 C
night/day) on them while they are fruiting, or is room temperature enough at
this point? I read somewhere that it's alright to stress the plants a little
once they start to bear fruit, and that this practice will produce a hotter
pepper.
Last, how realistic is my expectation to grow these plants indoors? I have
accounted for bottom heat and light - but are there other considerations for
indoor plants that will affect my fruit yield?
Any help would be appreciated,
-Mike, Vancouver