[3759allen]

i'm looking for some advice on growing sweet peppers.

the main problem i had last year was the weight of the peppers making the branches break off the main stem, i also had some that rotted while growing.

how do people support their plants? and what spacings do you leave between plants?

thanks all.

[Kristen]

I've not tried it, but saw it on Beechgrove last year, would it help to grow them as a cordon (up a string, like Tomatoes)?  I think that might support the weight of the crop better, plus in "pruning" them to be a cordon every other flower is taken off

[Kristen]

Cordon training of peppers is described, briefly, in Beechgrove's Factsheet #12 19/6/2014
http://www.thebeechgrovegarden.com/images/factsheets/Factsheet_12_1.pdf
Perhaps there is a YouTube or similar of that episode?

[mumofstig]

I support mine with canes and string around the outside.

I've not tried it either, but wouldn't think cordon-pruning would work  although BG factsheet no 15 shows it working 
My usual pruning is to encourage more branches, and so more flowers/fruits to form.

The rotting ones usually have a bug inside, so take off any that have puncture holes in them, as soon as you see them.

I plant mine about the same distance as tomatoes, the root ball is about the same size.

[Aidy]

I gave up on the standard sweet pepper and tried the mini bell which we now grow loads of, ideal size for salads n stuff and seem to be easier and more consistent.