Confused by my Chilli plants

[Dr Pips]

Hi All,

I'm growing 3 chilli pepper plants for the first time, and just got back from my holidays. I'd left a friends son to water them for me and it looks like he's done a good job, however...

There were a lot of peppers on all the plants, up to about 40 on each plant when I left 2 weeks ago. Some were quite large (3-4 inches long) some very small, but all of them green. I was expecting to come back to find some of them starting to turn red, but instead, the peppers that were already there are still very green, but there are some new fruit on there, which are very small, but a bright orange colour.

Like I said, I'm very confused as to why this is, so any advice would be appreciated.

Thanks,

Dom

[Dr Pips]

Oops, should have mentioned, they are "Cheyenne Peppers" not Cayenne

[Incy]

Can you post a photo Dr Pips. It might help people work out what's going on for you.

[Dr Pips]

Here you go, both pics of the same plant

[zazen999]

Well, unless someone has stuck on some pretend peppers; I'd say those were peppers that have ripened up.

[Dr Pips]

The reason I'm confused is that the ones that look riper (orange) are new, and really small compared to the large green ones. I would have though that the peppers that were on the plant longer would turn red first.

Dom

[zazen999]

Have you checked for signs of glue?

[buzzingtalk]

Quite often with cheyenne i find that when they ripen, the pepper kind of folds in on itself, which may be why you are thinking it is smaller? they start looking like a popped balloon, and then turn.

[BUFFS]

i reckon its down to the fluctuating weather,one day cool,next day hot,stressing the plant,which then tries to set its seed asap,lets face it ,when can you remember having to put the heating on in the middle of the summer,we have had to, and my peppers are showing the same "baby" fruits,relax and enjoy them.....

[Dr Pips]

Thanks, was just confusing as the orange peppers didn't start off green and change, they just came through orange. Oh well, guess I just need to get more patient. Although 2 months for them to ripen seems like a very long time.

[horticultural_hobbit]

Only taken three years...

And it is diddy...




Let them out to breathe today, as the sun was out. I actually missed it at first. Yes, the things need cover, yes, treat them mean. Led me to scribble furiously into my note book. When I first grew them, way back two years ago, having them crammed two to a pot made them grow like mad things. It's fantastic when you have a penny drop moment. Am already thinking about next year's chilli experimentation.

[Dr Pips]

Good news! I've had a few of the big ones turn orange in one day! We had quite a hot day today, and I think that's all it took. Orange is the ripe colour for these, so shall I start picking the orange ones and threading them now?

Dom

[Two_Sheds]

shall I start picking the orange ones and threading them now?

Dom

You can, yes. Keep them dry, not damp (so the kitchen isn't always the best place)