[bb_odiham]

My chilli plants have been growing indoors now for about 2 months and some have reached over 2 foot high, but only one is flowering.

They get light for most the day - my basil plants are growing fantastically in the same position.

Is there a secret for getting them to flower and start producing fruit - for instance, pruning?

[gobs]

There is no secret I know of and they need no pruning.

It's autumn now, the light levels are low, that will have a lot to say how much , if at all they flower, try them for the summer next time.

Saying that, my March sown plants are still flowering and setting in the polly and the greenhouse... might they be overfed, by any chance?

And not getting much light in the house.

[SnooziSuzi]

I've just been given 3 chili plants from my parents because they have lots of leaf but no fruits;  I think that because they have had them in one of those cloche type things that are sold as greenhouses ( :evil: ) the light levels haven't been high enough for them.

I'm going to see if they will overwinter sucessfully in my proper gh ready for an early crop next year.

[SalJ1980]

Are they being pollinated? If they're indoors you might need to give them a hand - some people prefer giving them a little tap every now and then, I always use a clean, soft-bristled paintbrush and do it by hand - works a treat!  

[gobs]

Piss! chillies don't need pollinating.

[SalJ1980]

Really?  :oops:  Well OH's didn't do anything until I started on them with the brush, then they took off nicely! Odd!  

[gobs]

coincidense

[breathecosse]

Gobs right.
Chilli Plants self pollinate but they can be helped
along with agitating the flower with a soft brush.

[Lardman]

Gobs right.
Chilli Plants self pollinate but they can be helped
along with agitating the flower with a soft brush.

Or just tap the pot their in... far less hassle.  

I binned most of mine this weekend (but they were outside) - even if they flower now theres no chance of getting them to ripen the way the weather is or will be in 3-4 weeks time.  Chalk it up to yet another pants year. Another 3 months and its time to sow some more anyway  

[breathecosse]

Gobs right.
Chilli Plants self pollinate but they can be helped
along with agitating the flower with a soft brush.

Or just tap the pot their in... far less hassle.  

I binned most of mine this weekend (but they were outside) - even if they flower now theres no chance of getting them to ripen the way the weather is or will be in 3-4 weeks time.  Chalk it up to yet another pants year. Another 3 months and its time to sow some more anyway  

I don't use that method anyway but it does work.
With 60 different verieties I don't have the time or patience to faf around.
Just leave them to get on with it.

[gobs]

Exactly. Pleased we agree on something, celebrate, free rounds all around.  

[Fat Hen]

Gobs right.
Chilli Plants self pollinate but they can be helped
along with agitating the flower with a soft brush.

They self pollinate if conditions are right.  

If not flowers will drop.  Check for aphids on flower stalk (a big prob i've had this yr), good ventilation, presence of helpfull insects.  They generally like fairly humid conditions.

What time of year did you plant them?   Some varieties have a very long season (especially Baccatums & chinense), 4months from potting on not uncommon.

Don't over water.  Don't let completely dry out when flowers on bush.  Don't feed till fruit produced.

They won't set fruit if temps drop to below around 12 C.

I don't think daylight a problem as some of mine are only just starting to set fruit (which probably means they'll be ready for Christmas) :roll:

[gobs]

Gobs right.
Chilli Plants self pollinate but they can be helped
along with agitating the flower with a soft brush.

They self pollinate if conditions are right.  

wouldn't it follow that if conditions not right you bogger can't pollinate them :?

just a thought

[Ice]

My chillies have been poor this year due to several problems.  Firstly, I didn't put some of them in large enough pots.  Secondly, the weather has been poor.  Thirdly, I havn't watered consistently.  Last year whenI did it right they were prolific.

[bb_odiham]

Yay!

First chilli appeared literally within a few days growing down from a flower, there's a few more on their way.

I just find it so amazing growing things and seeing how it all works.

Yeah Yeah, you can buy a bag of 100 chilli's for a quid, but growing your own is just so much more rewarding.

From what I've read, I need to pick them often as it promotes more growth.

However, I'm still stuck with the fact that only 1 out of 6 plants has actually flowered and is growing chilli's...