Q: Dave, For chile seedlings, we have always keep grow lights on for 16 hours daily and I thought I was on solid ground with this schedule. Now I am not so sure and have read conflicting data. Should grow lights be on for only part of a 24 hour day or keep on 24/7? What is the rationale for …
Indoor Growing
Q: Dave, I am looking for a hot pepper that I can keep as a indoor plant. I would prefer a tall, bushy and deep green one.Nathan and MelissaA: Hello Nathan and Melissa: Unless you have a sunroom, chiles are difficult to grow indoors because they need so much light. They are also susceptible to aphids, white fly, and mealy …
Two Gardening Questions
Q: Dave, –I read somewhere that you should not plant sweet peppers next to hot peppers as they will cross pollinate. Is that true? If so, how far should the beds be apart?–I’m creating raised beds and have a limited amount of sunlight areas here in my yard in St. Louis, Missouri. Is afternoon shade ok? What is the best …
Tabascos Not Flowering
Q: Dear Dave, I am an amateur 30 year old chile head. It is May 24 and I have several varieties of chiles growing indoors because of the windy dustbowl part of Albuquerque that I live in. My question is about my tabasco plants. I have 3 that are growing in a pot about 14" by 16" deep with a mixture …
Removing the Heat?
Q: Dave, Years ago, I met a man who claimed to be able to take the heat out of his pickled jalapenos. Do you or have you ever run into a process that neutralizes the capsaicin but leaves the flavor of the chile intact? That guy’s peppers were awesome!!Thanks for your time.Kearney A: Hello Kearney:No, I’ve never heard of such …