Potting on chillies to final pots?

[T-lady]

Hi folks

I started my chillis maybe a bit late and they're now about 8" tall and need potting on from their 3" pots. Can I go straight from this size to their final 9" pots or am I better off having an intermediate stage?

[SarzWix]

My peppers and chillis always go from 3" to 5" pots. They don't like being in too much cold/damp compost, so you'll get better growth from a smaller step at a time because they won't stop and sulk

[T-lady]

Thanks Sarah. I was kind of being lazy I suppose! I'll go the 5" pot route this weekend.

[smallblueplanet]

Get yourself some perlite and mix that in with your compost to add drainage T-l, they'll love ya for it!

[Alison]

8" is a perfectly respectable height for a chilli at this time of year (unless they're leggy). The garden centres are still flogging 2 / 3" tall ones. You're not too late at all.

[RedThorn]

Have been reading of late and seeing a lot of people worry that their toms and chillis are too small. It is my understanding that Chillis should only be about 4-6" perhaps a little bigger about now and toms not much more than that.

Back in January/February there was an experiment conducted by a lot of grapes with chillis and tomatoes, hence why some people have fruits and or flowers. Please bear in mind that it was an experiment.

[smallblueplanet]

Lol! RT - I've just seen the first teeny fruit on my Bulgarian Carrot. They are supposed to be a quick-fruiting variety mind. It's not really an experiment to start your chillies early, mine were started in mid-Feb. But like with aubs too, many have a long growing season, particularly varieties like habanero's, so really need starting early if they are to fruit in the same year.

[RedThorn]

I agree SBP but am worried at a lot of people worry needlessly. We already live in an instant world and don't want new growers to be put off at the first hurdle.

On the other hand, they can see what they can accomplish too my habs are starting to flower and most of my toms have flowers and the odd tom... Some of my stuff is real early but others I didn't plan as well.

[SarzWix]

T-Lady was asking about the size of pot to use next, I don't think she was worrying whether they were big enough?

[smallblueplanet]

...On the other hand, they can see what they can accomplish too my habs are starting to flower...

Mine habs aren't yet, should I be worried?

[RedThorn]

Oh dear.... sorry peeps if I've offended.... but have been concerned is all....

to pull the thread back, As Sarz said, I'm still very much experimenting and learning myself. Already done a few things this year I won't next year including putting peppers and chilli's into a pot that's way to big cost me a green bell pepper... oh well live and learn!

[smallblueplanet]

Oh dear.... sorry peeps if I've offended.... but have been concerned is all...

Lol! Just having a laugh with you! I don't need to worry about my non-flowering habs yet then?

[RedThorn]

Lol! Just having a laugh with you! I don't need to worry about my non-flowering habs yet then?

only if you want to

[smallblueplanet]

only if you want to

Nah, I'll wait 'til you've got fruit and I haven't!

[RedThorn]

but I'm already a fruitcake ... ask AL