Q: Hey Dave,I’ve got some nice looking chile seedlings that are just putting on their second set of true leaves. As they do so, I’m repotting them into 3" Jiffy pots. I’m wondering what kind of fertilizer I should apply at this stage (and until transplanting to the garden and outdoor pots). Is Osmocote Outdoor/Indoor slow release plant food a …
Corking
Q: Dear Dave,We know corking is a good sign for jalapeños, but just why does it occur? What causes the stress that creates this desirable feature?Jim Maley Master Gardener UC Ex Santa Clara County California A: Hello Jim:Corking is genetically linked to original Mexican varieties of jalapeños. It is desirable there, but not in the States, so most varieties grown and …
Mini-Greenhouse In The Mohave Desert
Q: Hi Dave,I’m growing jalapeno plants in pots outside. I live near the Mojave Desert, CA, so the climate is dry heat. Is it better to use a mini-greenhouse (which I all ready have) or not?Thanks, Gabe A: Hello Gabriel:They should be fine outdoors as long as the night temperature does not drop below freezing. I think a mini-greenhouse would get …
Valuable (?) Chili Sauce Bottle Found
Q: Hi Dave,I’ve been searching the internet for information on a hexagonally shaped bottle patented by Eugene R. Durkee. The only information I could find was your article "A Brief History of U.S. Commercial Hot Sauces" which said that no bottle has ever been found. I have one in my possession, and I wondered how I could obtain information on …
Chile Pepper Decor
Q: Hi Dave,My wife and I have two tanning salons in Michigan called Chili Peppers Tanning. Do you know where we can find some cool chile pepper items to decorate our salons? We would greatly appreciate some help. Thanks,Jeff A: Hello Jeff:A good place to start is with our recommended retailers, some of which carry nonfood decorative items: http://www.fiery-foods.com/dave/retailers.asp Remember …