Peppers Not Hot

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Hi Dave,

My question is…for the past couple of years my peppers have not been hot. Last year, I planted jalapenos and this year 5 kinds: jalapenos, habaneros, cayenne, cherry and serrano. They were in different locations in the garden and yard. I tried some suggestions such as "stressing them," letting them dry out, picking some early, etc. I have not found anyone that can give me an answer to this problem. Hopefully you can. The weather this year stayed above 100 degrees since June and has finally broken. It’s been HOT and DRY. Any insight will be appreciated

Thanks,

Donna

Hello Donna:

Fifty percent of pungency is in the genes and 50% in the environment. Jalapenos have been notoriously mild for years. The habaneros and cayennes should be hot, if you got the seeds from hot varieties. Try this: only use the top half (stem end) of the chiles and discard the bottom portion.

Dave

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