You may get a bit of a set back, but it's best to transplant if you are getting rootbound. I start plants early, and often have flowers in 3" pots before I put them in my 3 gallon pots. I usually don't get any shock issues, but I'm also using a fast draining soil that gives me very robust roots. Although you may get a short term set back, and even possibly lose some blossoms, You'll get additional flushes of growth and flowers that will make up for it in the larger pot.

That helps me settle it. Since this plant is so robust, I am confident that the setback won't be too noticeable. But you never know.

At least I have learned something. Use BIG pots when they are ready for the first replant in the spring.

That can actually work against you. If you jump from a small pot to a very large one, you can end up with the swamp bucket. Trust me, I know! ;-) Not that it can't be done, but, you have to be careful about how much water and drainage. Once the roots have grown into an area, they drink it up fast enough that it isn't an issue anymore. Stepping up the size of the pot gradually is actually a great approach.

As it stands, it's delicate operation. I am risking the fruited stuff dropping. But on the other hand I have no real choice.

I guess I can take on board what you are saying. A big pot for the first replant might be better, but carries its own risks.

I just did the same thing. I took the heavy fruit like the cubanelles and the bigger jalapenos, so no damage there. The cayennes (even though some were big) and the smaller jalapenos I left on the plant. No droppage, no damage, and everybody seems happy. Go for it.

The biggest moment of danger is when you have to get the old pot off. (Four hands really helps for this step.) Let the soil dry out some so it's not too expanded and heavy. Place your palm against the surface of the dirt, with the stem between fingers or thumb, invert the plant and whack the bottom and/or sides. This should loosen the ball enough to pull it out (or the pot off). Since your palm is on the surface, when you turn it back upright the fruit will just settle back into position without twisting. You can use the woody stem to help pull, but not too hard. The stem will also support the root ball.

With the old pot off, the rest is a piece of cake. Good luck.

@ DMForcier - Did you just replant the potted shape into the new soil? It has been recommended that you first untangle (at least the roots that have spun.

I suppose it doesn't matter because the plant will unweave its way out eventually. But it might take longer for the plant to reach into the new environs, no?

I just moved my Peppadew from a tiny pot to the ground, that thing will not stop growing straight up, it's at least 4 1/2 ft tall. It had fruit at the time of the transplant and still does, its been 4 or 5 days ago. Only issue was that the top wilted shortly after the transplant within 5 to 10 min but after a good watering bounced back. Its been temperamental, wilting on the top daily until I water and it bounces back happy. Can't wait until its back to normal and not so needy lol

Mark

I was watching "This Old House" a short time ago and the landscaping guy(Roger?) said when a plant is heavily root bound(meaning the roots are winding and spiraling around itself) it's a good idea to score(with a razor knife) the sides of the ball 4 times down the sides of the ball and with an "X" on the bottom. That way when transplanted the roots will take off in other directions(down and out) rather than keep up the whole spiraling pattern which would restrict further growth by choking off the root system.

I generally moved straight over. Some root balls I "crushed" lightly, but in general they weren't compacted or badly root bound.

I wouldn't do much to disturb the root ball if the plant is supporting fruit, unless there's a problem - and then I'd take the fruit first.

Well, I did the replant. It was a pretty tight root ball. I broke a branch off. Now the plant is leaning slightly. Fortunately, the branch didn't have fruit on it yet.

Not a disaster, but was still a bit upsetting. I did realize how much water the plant was drinking. The sides of the ball was pretty dry.

The soil I bought was quite 'woody' - almost like hair. I don't like it, but it says it is full of nutrients. Just read the reviews of this soil and it is new formula from Wickes. People are dumping on it big time. I wish I hadn't used it. But they were (empahasis on 'were') a trusted source for compost. 85% peat an 15% wood fibre. I hope the plant can somehow thrive in it.

It's all going wrong...

I should mention that it is now in a 10 gallon pot.

Now I shall leave it be.

Good luck with the poor fella. I hope he finds the new container and soil to his liking and produces lots of peppers for you this summer.
Bruce

Thanks Bruce, I need the encouragement.