Re: [CH] Blossom Drop on C. pubescens

Matt Evans (tmattevans@gmail.com)
Wed, 9 Aug 2006 11:32:19 -0400 

Thanks for all of the advice, folks.  As I suspected, it appears that
the general consensus is that high heat is the issue.  My manzano is
in a container, so I might overwinter it, but I have typically gotten
excellent first year production from this variety.

A couple of other points have been brought up --

1.  Nitrogen -- I agree that excessive N2 will cause blossom drop, but
my manzano is getting the same dose as my other potted plants and it
is the only one exhibiting this problem.

2.  Pollenators -- I have not specifically watched bees and ants
pollenate this plant, so I can't comment here....but, again, the other
plants seem to be doing fine.

Extremely high heat (we hit 108 at the WU station closest to my house
last week), opressive humidity (heat index of 118 at same WU station
on a different day), and a cool-weather variety seem to be coming
after me.  I still think it's a bit strange, though, as this variety
has done well for me in the past -- but, this is the hottest summer I
can remember.

Matt

On 8/9/06, JohnT <Love2troll@kc.rr.com> wrote:
> > Cool nights promote fruit set.
>
> Uncle Steve,
>
> Sure wish Matt had asked his question a couple weeks ago.  Many of us grow
> rocotos in containers if only because it is during the 2nd year that many of
> the varieties produce like crazy.  So....   will be bringing some plants
> indoors for the evenings until things cool down here.  102° forecast for
> today.
>
> Thanks!
>
> jt
>
>
>
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: Uncle Steve
> To: chile-heads@globalgarden.com
> Sent: Wednesday, August 09, 2006 9:30 AM
> Subject: Re: [CH] Blossom Drop on C. pubescens
>
>
> >
> >Hi All --
> >
> >I have a big, beautiful manzano plant (the only C. pubescens to
> >survive the "damping-off incident") that has set planty of flowers.
> >It is dropping all of the flowers rather than setting fruit.  I assume
> >this is because of the high heat here, but don't know for sure.  Any
> >advice?  Add potassium?  Any other ideas?
>
> I grow them here in HOT VA. Last week 100+ 6 days in a row. Lots of
> blossoms no fruit set yet. I find that here, because of the heat,
> giving them shade helps them last longer.  Mine are planted between
> the house a a grove of bamboo. they get direct sun from about 8 to 11
> and then again from 4 till maybe 6:30. The blossoms may stay on for
> 2-3 weeks before dropping off if not setting fruit. Its not the hot
> days that are so much the problem, its the hot nights combined with
> the hot days. Cool nights promote fruit set.
>
> They do like cold weather. They have survived light frost that has
> killed all other chile plants.
> --
> Enjoy the heat,
> Uncle Steve
>
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>      Anything & Everything about Chiles
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>
>
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