Chillies - growing and overwintering 2019

[dave_100]

I have a pot drainage hole question. I have these 10 litre pots, and not sure if they have enough drainage holes. For clarity there are only 3 holes and I've circled them in yellow. I wonder if I should drill holes on these sections by the red question marks?

[4Shoes]

4Shoes that's weird, I use the tissue method and I've never had that problem. Was everything properly clean? When I tried tissue in plastic bags it went a bit slimy so that might be a problem. I use takeaway tubs now.

I too us the takeaway container method to chit seeds. Everything was good and clean. I had seen a picture where chilli seeds were sprouted with the green tips of the seedling just showing so taken aback when they fell off.

Because it was just a test to verify seed germination, thought I'd give it a try to plant on with the longer shoots. The sprouts were about the same length as the seed. So that may just have been the problem.

[4Shoes]

I have a pot drainage hole question. I have these 10 litre pots, and not sure if they have enough drainage holes. For clarity there are only 3 holes and I've circled them in yellow. I wonder if I should drill holes on these sections by the red question marks?

I'd think these pots are designed to retain a small reservoir at the bottom when you drill out the 3 holes you have highlighted. Some people put water retaining gel crystals in the area to stop plants getting wet feet/roots. Other thing you could do is put in a false floor and a pipe and use it as a reservoir and not do any drilling. Depending on height of pillars

[dave_100]

I'd think these pots are designed to retain a small reservoir at the bottom when you drill out the 3 holes you have highlighted. Some people put water retaining gel crystals in the area to stop plants getting wet feet/roots. Other thing you could do is put in a false floor and a pipe and use it as a reservoir and not do any drilling. Depending on height of pillars

Hmm that sounds a bit complex, I'd rather just use another pot type than worry about all of that.

Here is a pic of the inside which might help clarify- do you think I could just use it as is (or with a few more holes drilled) or is this not really the best type of pot?

[4Shoes]

Personally I don't like the sprouting method for chillies. I use it for beans and peas.
Chillies I just use very small pots in my prop. Cut up single module trays. One seed per pot to minimise handling. I suppose it depends on how much space you have.

I'm keen on KIS. Keep it Simple. Last year I started all my peppers and tomatoes in small pots (5cm dia) on a heated bed set to 20C with propagator lids.

Hot chillies germination were a bit of a problem, so because I had the seedlings (left from germination testing) I'd try the sprouting technique and see how I got on.

Glad that I did because its not as simple as the pictures would suggest.


other wee bonus since I'd tried the technique is that I bought a propagator with a variable thermostat so may not be such an issue this season.

That said, its good to understand what went wrong and to improve method next time.

[Scarlet]

Hmm that sounds a bit complex, I'd rather just use another pot type than worry about all of that.

Here is a pic of the inside which might help clarify- do you think I could just use it as is (or with a few more holes drilled) or is this not really the best type of pot?

The pots are fine as they are. Similar to what I use.

[dave_100]

The pots are fine as they are. Similar to what I use.

Thanks, do you think the 3 drainage holes they have are enough?

[Scarlet]

I'm keen on KIS. Keep it Simple. Last year I started all my peppers and tomatoes in small pots (5cm dia) on a heated bed set to 20C with propagator lids.

Hot chillies germination were a bit of a problem, so because I had the seedlings (left from germination testing) I'd try the sprouting technique and see how I got on.

Glad that I did because its not as simple as the pictures would suggest.


other wee bonus since I'd tried the technique is that I bought a propagator with a variable thermostat so may not be such an issue this season.

That said, its good to understand what went wrong and to improve method next time.

My chilli sowing is season is long over by the time I start tomatoes... I sow enough that if one or two don't pop I've still got a couple in the bank. I pot on into those 5cm pots. I use the nursery module trays, often cutting them. Maybe just 2cm round?...I am a bit of a nerd when it comes to sowing veg seed. I also sow lettuce singularly , I'm not keen on pricking out......but flowers get bunged in, they are a bit more robust

[4Shoes]

Hmm that sounds a bit complex, I'd rather just use another pot type than worry about all of that.

Here is a pic of the inside which might help clarify- do you think I could just use it as is (or with a few more holes drilled) or is this not really the best type of pot?

Yes, these are the pots I was thinking of.

You can use them as flower pots as you have suggested - drill out larger holes - same size as the pillars - where you have already identified or double the number of holes you already have.


Drill out the top of the pillars to create a small reservoir (on new pots)

[Scarlet]

Thanks, do you think the 3 drainage holes they have are enough?

Yes, they are fine.

[4Shoes]

My chilli sowing is season is long over by the time I start tomatoes... I sow enough that if one or two don't pop I've still got a couple in the bank. I pot on into those 5cm pots. I use the nursery module trays, often cutting them. Maybe just 2cm round?...I am a bit of a nerd when it comes to sowing veg seed. I also sow lettuce singularly , I'm not keen on pricking out......but flowers get bunged in, they are a bit more robust

LOL - just saying I used the same pots for both peppers and tomatoes. 1 seed per pot or should I say - re-use the pots. Know the modules you mean.

[Scarlet]

These are the trays I use - just a bit wider than plant labels. I find if you don't disturb the roots they have a good head start.

[MyWifesBrassicas]

When growing chilli's early in the season and in low light, they become "leggy". Does anybody transplant them deeper so that the "leggy" stem is buried?
I've done this before with tomatoes and they grow roots from the buried stems and grow fine.
Does anybody know if the same principal applies to crops such as chilli's?

[4Shoes]

When growing chilli's early in the season and in low light, they become "leggy". Does anybody transplant them deeper so that the "leggy" stem is buried?
I've done this before with tomatoes and they grow roots from the buried stems and grow fine.
Does anybody know if the same principal applies to crops such as chilli's?

Peppers are not too happy with this. I don't plant deeper than 1st leaf.

[MyWifesBrassicas]

Peppers are not to happy with this. I don't plant deeper that 1st leaf.

Nice one, thanks