Q: Dave,Do habanero plants need to be removed and new ones planted every year or are they perennial?Thanks, Rod A: Hello Rod:All chile plants are perennial in climates that don’t get frost.–Dave
Pepper Plant Cuttings: What Next?
Q: Greetings Sir Dave:I bought four of your books recently, and they are very informative and great fun. I made cuttings from several plants from last season’s garden: poblano, Fresno, Joe Parker New Mexico, hot wax, jalapeño, serrano, and cayenne. Sadly, all my cayenne cuttings died, the last two during week 7 and 8. It has been 9 weeks since …
Soil pH for Habaneros
Q: Hi Dave, I ordered some habanero seeds, Caribbean reds and red habaneros. I am a first time grower. I searched your site and could not find what the soil pH level should be for habaneros. Thanks, Patrick A: Hello Patrick:The soil should be neutral, pH of 7.–Dave
Will Seeds Germinate–Air Dried vs. Furnace Dried
Q: Dear Dave,Can the seeds from store purchased dried peppers still germinate?–Harold A: Hello Harold:That depends entirely on whether the pods were air/sun dried (will germinate) or furnace dried (won’t germinate). There’s no way to know in advance, so all you can do is plant some, but back up those plantings with commercially purchased seeds or seedlings.I recommend www.reimerseeds.com for …
Cabbage Looper Problem
Q: Hi Dave!In late summer/early fall I purchased a grow light and brought a few of my favorite chile plants indoors to keep producing during the winter. They’re doing well, but the largest, a Red Savina, has a cabbage looper problem. They seem to think it’s summertime, and want to continue their life cycle. I’ve only been able to find …