Topping pepper plants early - Ask Extension
Hi. I really enjoy growing hot peppers and was recently told that topping peppers early on is a bad thing. I’ve always topped them and have had real...
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Topping pepper plants early #869966
Asked May 24, 2024, 3:26 PM EDT
Hi. I really enjoy growing hot peppers and was recently told that topping peppers early on is a bad thing. I’ve always topped them and have had really good results. Am I making a mistake?
Bear regards,
Chris
Montgomery County Maryland
Expert Response
Hi- we don't have solid, research-based information to recommend a specific approach to topping chile plants to increase yields.
We suggest waiting to top until transplants are established and growing in the garden. Cut the main stem just above a node to encourage laterals to form at the cut. You could also prune back vigorous laterals to encourage more branching.
With warming temperatures and later first frosts we are seeing pepper plants produce most heavily from mid-August until frost. Mid-summer heat can cause flower and fruit drop. Planting in locations that receive late afternoon shade or covering plants with 30-40% shade cloth placed over the top of plants can help increase fruiting.
Jon
We suggest waiting to top until transplants are established and growing in the garden. Cut the main stem just above a node to encourage laterals to form at the cut. You could also prune back vigorous laterals to encourage more branching.
With warming temperatures and later first frosts we are seeing pepper plants produce most heavily from mid-August until frost. Mid-summer heat can cause flower and fruit drop. Planting in locations that receive late afternoon shade or covering plants with 30-40% shade cloth placed over the top of plants can help increase fruiting.
Jon
