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Jolokia plants producing flower buds, but not blooming

14 years ago

I'm growing some bhut jolokia plants and so far, I have 6 plants in various stages of growth. Two of the plants have began producing lots of flower buds. However, the buds do not open/bloom, they reach a certain length, then fall off. The stem of the flower bud turns slightly brown and/or yellow, then off it falls, stem and all.

Why are my buds falling off? What can I do to prevent the buds from falling off and get them to bloom and produce fruit?

The plants are otherwise healthy and show no signs of disease or insect infestation.

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Comments (5)

willardb3
14 years ago
Flower drop probable causes:

1. Day temp too high >95F
2. Night temp too low 3. Too much nitrogen fertilizer
4. Too much water
5. Low light levels (reduces fertility).
6. Very low humidity (reduces fertility)
7. Poor air circulation (air circulation contributes to pollination).
8. Lack of pollinating insects.
9. Size of pot
1. Too much mineral in feedwater.
2. Too much grower attention.
brewed_beaner
Original Author
14 years ago
Thanks for the list of possible causes. Perhaps they aren't getting enough light. I leave them outside in direct sunlight for 2-3 hours, then move them into partial sunlight.
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bhmlurker
14 years ago
#11 is especially funny!! Sort of like 'a watched pot never boils'.
willardb3
14 years ago
You know, I would guess that #11 causes far more problems than any of the others named.........the only sure way to kill a chile is micromanagement.
fffgt
14 years ago
"I leave them outside in direct sunlight for 2-3 hours, then move them into partial sunlight"

It's been my experience that if you want your plants to produce, and produce HOT chiles, you want them in direct sunlight for a minimum of 6 hours.

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