Chilli new leave growth problems

[gingerbenn]

Hi all am newbie on there, been growing chilli's on and off for the last few years.
But got slightly more into things this year starting a selection of chilli indoors under a light for the first month or so. Then slow introducing them to the outdoors when the weather picked up. The chilli types in question are yellow scotch bonnets, mushroom chilli, cherry chilli and twlight numex chilli.

All has been well up until last week, but basically the new growth leaves coming through on alot of my chilli is sort of crinkled up/twisted. I've checked for bugs and can't seem to find anything that can be causing the problem. I'm watering them with chilli focus which has seaweed extract in roughly every 5 days. Growthwise they are all doing pretty well but the crinkled leaves on the new growth seems to have developed since the weather got hotter last week in the UK. At the moment my chilli are positioned out in the open on my decking and I am wondering if I should put them in the shade slightly.

See photos below to give you better idea of what i am talking about:

[Scarlet]

If there really isn't any aphids, check really closely on the back of the leaves, it's probably that they've run out of nutrients. Calcium deficiency can cause wrinkled leaves in the new young growth. Have you been feeding them?

[Scarlet]

Just realised that's your first post! Welcome to the vine Gingerbenn, we have a few chilli fans that pop in regularly and they love to have as nosey at what everyone else is growing.....http://www.growfruitandveg.co.uk/gra...ml#post1355402

[gingerbenn]

If there really isn't any aphids, check really closely on the back of the leaves, it's probably that they've run out of nutrients. Calcium deficiency can cause wrinkled leaves in the new young growth. Have you been feeding them?

Mostly been feeding them chilli focus wish is basically seaweed extract, 5ml per litre currently. I've read a few things also regarding I could have a mag/cal deficiency, but am not so sure on that one yet.

Yep is my first posting here.
I've got some very nice looking Ghost chilli's growing without this current problem with all my other chilli's.

[Scarlet]

Take some more photos, a few of just the leaves, a little closer in. Post them and I'm sure someone else will be along with a few more ideas.

[gingerbenn]

Take some more photos, a few of just the leaves, a little closer in. Post them and I'm sure someone else will be along with a few more ideas.

Ok will get some more photos up.

[gingerbenn]

Close up photos of leaves from various chilli plants in question:

[Scarlet]

They look really healthy, really green, so not lacking in anything IMO. I have a vague memory of someone else posting similar before,maybe chilli grower.? I'm sure it was nothing to worry about. I hope someone else pops in soon with a bit more info for you.

[jackarmy]

I tend to agree with Scarlet Ben, they look really healthy fro the photos.
Other than an aphid or two hiding in the jungle, my best guess would be maybe repotting, their being fed so i really cant see much of a problem there.

I have several peppers/chillis that were infested with greenfly before i spotted them and they really look like death warmed up, yours look lush

[WendyC]

I'm with the aphid damage theory. Sometimes they do the damage before the leaves open and then scarper. As the leaves grow the damage appears.

[bario1]

Yep agree aphids are/have been there. At first you need a magnifying glass to see them, they are so tiny.

[bramble]

I agree, its aphids. Some of my chillis are like this at the moment. I have sprayed them with bug killer and they seem to be ok now.

[Philthy]

Growing the plants outside could also be a factor. It's warm now, but until recently not so much, especially at night. I've found that in cooler temperatures the leaves can become stunted and more leathery. New growth from plants permanently under cover is softer and generally bigger.

[Alexandriaweb]

I was having the exact same thing happen until the last week or so, it turned out I had greenfly but hadn't yet noticed. Thankfully a nice wee spider has spun himself a web between a few leaves and has been taking care of the problem, my new leaves are a lot less crinkled now.
Also if it is that the plant isn't getting enough calcium try whizzing a couple of eggshells through a food processor and then adding that to the soil when you next water.

[Jay-ell]

Egg shells aren't all that water soluble. If you dissolve them in a little vinegar they'll dissolve and at the same time neutralise the acidity in the vinegar (add, stir and stand - keep doing this unroll no more egg shells dissolve) the end liquor can be added to the watering can and contains dissolved calcium.