[smellykipper]

Hi all, a few of my small chillie plants are starting to flower ? is this normal ?

SK

[adri123]

I noticed that a small rocoto is also starting to flower.  Mine are under artificial lights still and I wondered if that had anything to do with it.

[Steveharford]

I don't think so Adri. Mine are in the un heated pt and are budding up well. Although prior to the pt they were in the house in a heated propogator, no lid. This may have encouraged them.

[mumofstig]

If you sow early as soon as they're big enough - they'll flower 

Early fruit if you pollinate them with a soft brush 

[gavinjconway]

I have some in modules which I grew in the light box, then in the conservatory, then into the greenhouse... Now some are in flower as well.... but not potted on yet - they are still in the modules.. 

Dont know if it's normal as its my first time growing chillies and peppers.

[Diddy Gardener]

Hmmm... hope I'm not too behing with my chillis, only about an inch tall at the moment 

[NewSteve]

I have some in modules which I grew in the light box, then in the conservatory, then into the greenhouse... Now some are in flower as well.... but not potted on yet - they are still in the modules.. 

Dont know if it's normal as its my first time growing chillies and peppers.

Those look like cracking plants! I'd get them potted on and pinch out the growing tips to encourage bushing. !

I've seen advice to remove that first flower, too (I guess becasue you want energy going into producing side shoots rather than fruit at this stage).

Mine are a few weeks behind but looking healthy at the 6 true leaves stage.

Steve

[Snoop]

I haven't even sown mine yet

[GreyScales]

It's best to take the flowers off at this stage isn't it? They'll be putting all their energy into producing fruit, were as we want them to grow into mature plants that will produce more fruit in the long run. If they fruit at this stage, it will stunt their growth won't it?

[Steveharford]

I'm looking fwd to an answer on this one. If none is forthcoming then I think I will deflower (?) half of them.

[adri123]

From my research the first three flowers want taking off...but if they are still really small I'd keep taking off flowers for a while yet.

[Lardman]

Those look mighty small cells to support the plant let alone develop fruit. I'd be potting those on to 6" pots and removing any flowers until the root have had a chance to grow in proportion to the plant.

I can't read the label - looks like fresno ?

[beesrus]

Very early chillies there. Only possible with a light box etc. from quite early on.
They look terrific plants and should be potted on toute suite.
Pinch some and leave others as that will help to widen your season. When the fruits want to set, they will.  I rarely pinch mine as they don't get to the stage above for another month at least, and one never knows how the season will turn out. My plants are rarely leggy as they take so long to grow in the cold greenhouse, so am not bothered about bushing out. I can't imagine chillies would set and fruit very well in an unheated greenhouse this time of year, but then I've never had them so early.

[gavinjconway]

Yep guys - they are small modules I know - just had no time to pot up... I bought grow bags today so tomorrow they get planted out and kept in the gh.. I'll remove the flowers as suggested- thanks for the info. 

[Steveharford]

Yes. I've only just seen the pics. Way in advance of mine which are still in bud. Nice looking plants too. You have done well.