Variability in Ripening & When to Pick

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Q: Dear Dave,

I grew habaneros for the first time this year and I am having a bumper crop!  My question is this:  The majority of my peppers have remained a deep green, while I have one that has turned orange early on.  Is this normal for habanero plants?  Also, what is the best way to know when to pick them?

Thanks,

Michael

 

A: Hello Michael:

Yes, there is variability in ripening.  You can pick them at any time.  If you pick some green ones, the plant will continue producing pods.  If you wait until they all turn orange, the plant will achieve maximum fruit load and will stop setting fruit.

–Dave

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