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Pepper Problems #767128

Asked August 12, 2021, 6:00 PM EDT

I need some advice on what is going wrong with my garden peppers. They are growing but no blossoms. I talked to a farmer near me and he says one of his fields is doing well and another he has over watered and not doing so great. I usually grow less than 10 pepper plants. When I can, I purchase the starts from local nurseries. This year I tried starting some of my own plants as well as purchasing California Wonder starts. The plants I started are Gypsy, King of the North, King Arthur (this is the first year I have ever planted the King of the North and King Arthur varieties). We did have a late frost after I planted the peppers, all of the current plants survived. I fertilized when I planted them and I irrigate. In past years I have had good production (from gypsy and California wonder) but not this year. Any ideas as to the cause(s) and what I might do to recover, or do different next year?

Berrien County Michigan

Expert Response

Thanks for the question.

The plants look as if they have been losing leaves. Some spotting may suggest disease, possibly bacterial leaf spot. Some leaf yellowing is also present. This could be disease, water issue, or nutrient. Combine this with an early cold weather setback makes it difficult to single out any particular issue; however, It does point to some things you can look at.  Review your irrigation.  Too much or too little water can create plant stress leading to the plant aborting flowers. Nutrient issues can do the same.  Too much nitrogen can produce an abundance of leaves and no flowers. A soil test (https://homesoiltest.msu.edu/) will help with other  major nutrients. Peppers are self pollinating but may need some wind or insects to help.  High or low temperatures can affect pollination, also.  Make sure you are getting enough sun. Check out the following links:

I hope this is helpful.

An Ask Extension Expert Replied August 14, 2021, 7:40 AM EDT

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