Q: Hello Dave,Early in November, I bought some capsicum seeds. Initially, I only wanted to test germination, but after they germinated, I planted a few of them. Kept under a four tube fluorescent fixture, they grow very well. The temperature is above 80 degrees F. I’m planning to start all over again in January, but I also would like to …
‘Aji Amarillo’
Q: Hi Dave,I write the “Eat Smart” series of culinary guidebooks and currently am working on "Eat Smart in Peru." The most commonly used chile pepper in Peru is the ‘Aji Amarillo’. I’m wondering if you know anyone who has successfully grown it in the U.S.? If so, maybe it’ll even grow in Wisconsin. I’m in the process of taste-testing …
How to Ripen Picked Green Peppers
Q: Hi Dave,Because of the early frost here in Portland, Oregon, I have picked all (about 8 brown paper grocery bags full) of my guajillo, pasilla, poblano and other peppers. They are quite mature but still green. Is there a preferred way to get these to ripen? Fluorescent lights, darkness, paper bags?Thank you in advance, Fred A: Hello Fred:Generally speaking, …
Developing a Land Race
Q: Dear Dave,I have a quick question regarding a ’land race’. I have been saving seeds from various hard-to-get pepper varieties, and I always select seed from the strongest, most healthy looking plants. I wonder how many generations it takes for a localized variety to develop. I tend to go for those that mature well enough to get to harvests …
Whiteflied & Insecticide
Q: Dear Dave,I have been dealing with problems of whiteflies. I keep seeing them come back in less than 1 week each time I spray insecticide. I think they may be immune to it and that the natural enemies have been eliminated by the insecticide that I spray. My question is, how do I effectively get rid of the whiteflies, …