I see lots of posts by people proudly showing off very dense, bushy plants, with lots of leaves and fruits. My plants look reasonably healthy, but they are *not* like that. So I was wondering what the factors were that contributed to that particular phenotype. Is it a result of topping? Plants grown as perennials? Different varieties? Environmental factors?
The season is still early here (zone 7b, Maryland USA), so I expect more development as things warm up – the pictures were included mostly for attention, but advice is welcome. Shown are serrano (one may be jalepeño), though I also have chocolate reaper and scotch bonnet which are still small.
by StockMaintenance1129
1 Comment
Naturally? Lots of light, and the cultivar itself matters. Some will naturally do it more than others, but lighting is a big factor.
If you grew that from seed indoors, more light could’ve helped. That being said, that’s not especially lanky for a serrano/jalapeno, and you said your chinense pepper are more squat, which would make sense.
Artificially, yes, topping can do it too. I’d guess its more likely than not that it would cost you yield, though.