A flower on my Chilli Plant - now what do I do?

**Pa Snips** · 24-06-2012, 09:43 PM

Flick the stem just behind the flower with your finger.

**Samurailord** · 24-06-2012, 09:53 PM

Thanks Pa, but what does that do?

I am one of those annoying people who likes to understand the science and logic behind everything - makes it easier for me to appreciate and understand the answers.

Andy

**Bren In Pots** · 24-06-2012, 10:11 PM

I use a thin soft paint brush to hand pollinate my chilli flowers, you sort of rub the pollen from one flower to the next bit like how the bees go from one flower to the next.

**rustylady** · 25-06-2012, 06:00 AM

Originally posted by Samurailord View Post

Thanks Pa, but what does that do?

I am one of those annoying people who likes to understand the science and logic behind everything - makes it easier for me to appreciate and understand the answers.

Andy

Chillies, like tomatoes, can pollinate themselves. Tapping the plant (gently) should release a little cloud of pollen.

**donnakebab** · 25-06-2012, 06:31 AM

If you haven't started already you could feed them. From what I've read on the forum you start feeding chillies and tomatoes when they start to flower. Not sure how often though. I'm going to do a search for that.

I think every week or two is the norm.

**DGoulston** · 25-06-2012, 08:35 AM

I feed my chilli every 2 weeks, and yes you just give the plant a little tap, as that causes the pollen to fall onto the bit that needs it.. lol very scientific!
My chilli plants are all indoors, and they seem to self pollinate all the time without me even doing this! only my scotch bonnet is being stubborn!

Darren.

**Two_Sheds** · 25-06-2012, 08:45 AM

Lots of people think that insects are required, but I don't get many in my gh (the door is closed) and I even get chillies to fruit on my windowsills (no insects whatsoever) ~ I've never tapped, shaken or tickled my chillies: they are perfectly capable of doing it for themselves.

Pollinating Flowers (optional)
Chilli plants are self fertile and will generally pollinate themselves. However, if you want to give them a helping hand to ensure that lots of fruit are set indoors, use a cotton wool bud to gently sweep the inside of the flowers one after another, spreading the pollen as you go! Ready to Grow, Chilli Seeds, Tomato Seeds, Capsicum Seeds, Banana Seeds, Exotic Fruit Seeds

Chillies are self-pollinating, but most chillies cross-pollinate very freely, so if you want to keep seeds, you could consider insect netting over one or two plants http://www.southdevonchillifarm.co.u...ination-tricks

**Two_Sheds** · 25-06-2012, 08:48 AM

Originally posted by Samurailord View Post

I am one of those annoying people who likes to understand the science and logic behind everything - makes it easier for me to appreciate and understand the answers.

Same here.

This explains it nicely: Home - Chillies on the Web

**Rhona** · 25-06-2012, 09:25 AM

An alternative method is to grow your chillies in a rickety old blow away, with their backs against the baggy, weatherbeaten plastic. The ill-fitting poly will whack the plants just so, every time there's a slight breeze, thus successfully pollinating each flower. It's not for everyone.

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**Samurailord** · 25-06-2012, 11:35 AM

Originally posted by Rhona View Post

An alternative method is to grow your chillies in a rickety old blow away, with their backs against the baggy, weatherbeaten plastic. The ill-fitting poly will whack the plants just so, every time there's a slight breeze, thus successfully pollinating each flower. It's not for everyone.

That is exactly what I have been doing, and it appears to be working as there is what appears to be the start of a tiny chilli deep within the petals.

Originally posted by donnakebab View Post

If you haven't started already you could feed them.

I have been feeding every week with tomato food, and i am hoping that the rest of the buds will also provide me with some nice chillis for summer and autumn curries, etc.

I take it that it is ok to save and dry the seeds from home grown chillis to propogate next year?

Andy

**Drea** · 25-06-2012, 11:38 AM

All I do is leave them be and take off the petals once they start looking a bit worse for wear. I have tons of chillies on my plants, it's about the only things doing well!

**taff** · 25-06-2012, 01:52 PM

Originally posted by Samurailord View Post

I take it that it is ok to save and dry the seeds from home grown chillis to propogate next year?
Andy

It's fine. I've grown several varieties in a greenhouse and kept the seeds, and successfully sown and grown the individual types the year after but it'd worth isolating a branch or two to make sure if you feel like it.

**Two_Sheds** · 25-06-2012, 05:46 PM

Originally posted by Samurailord View Post

I take it that it is ok to save and dry the seeds from home grown chillis to propogate next year?

Originally posted by Two_Sheds View Post

most chillies cross-pollinate very freely, so if you want to keep seeds, you could consider insect netting over one or two plants

hfdsakddddddddddddddddddddd

**Jeanied** · 25-06-2012, 06:06 PM

Or gluing the flower shut to keep it from cross pollinating.

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A flower on my Chilli Plant - now what do I do?

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