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Bhut Jolokia Potting Soil/Fertilizer help

12 years ago

Hi All,

I'll be trying my luck at growing Bhuts for the third year and as all my previous attempts have failed most likely due to poor soil and fertilizer choices, I'm asking for some assistance.

Container Size:

I'll be using half-barrels from retired wine barrels. I'm assuming one plant per barrel for optimum growth?

Soil:

I've done a bit of research here and it seems that a mix of 5-parts small orchid bark, 1 part pearlite and 1 part pumice, and 1 tbsp/gal dolomitic lime seems to work. Is it true Bhuts don't like peat? Any other tips?

Fertilizer:

I used fish fertilizer in the past and though I got flowers, all dropped. Should I just mix some slow release Osmocote in the soil mix and spray with bloom set once flowering starts?I treated a red rocoto plant with bone meal last year and it seemed to help during bloom time.

Any additional information will be extremely appreciated!

Thank you,

George

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Comments (4)

Edymnion
12 years ago
You'll probably hate me for this, but I container grew my bhuts to pretty good size with just regular miracle grow potting soil.
User
12 years ago
You'll probably hate me too. I've had great success starting and growing Jolokias.

Your container size, half barrels, is fine. I grow mine in 5 gallon pots.

I understand that soil/growing medium can help achieve optimum results but I'm lazy. I do just fine using ProMix BX which is mostly peat. Not sure where you heard they don't like peat?

As for fertilizer, farmer friends turned me onto a commercial 20-8-20 mix. It's primarily used in forestry but it works really well for peppers.

FWIW,

Bill
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12 years ago
Sounds to me like high temps were the problem, 95+ for me using containers usually caused flower drop but later in the season with a bit cooler temps 50+ pods and my container was no where close to the size you are using. I have not used the 5-1-1 mix yet hear its great. I use a mixture of MG Orchid mix and MG Organic soil 1/2 and 1/2 and include bonemeal and Alaska fish fert.
User
12 years ago
A search on "blossom drop" yields some good past discussions on causes.

Here is a link that might be useful: Blossom drop

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