How do you water ornamental peppers?
The non-poisonous ornamental peppers do not tolerate complete drought or waterlogging. Water the plant regularly, especially in summer. Excess water must be poured off immediately so that no rot can develop.
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When and how do you fertilize ornamental peppers?
Until the ornamental peppers start to bloom, fertilize them with a little liquid fertilizer every two weeks. From the first flowering onwards there is no more fertilization.
You should refrain from fertilizing with flower fertilizer (€ 13.27 at Amazon *) if you plan to eat the fruit later.
Why should you cut the first flower?
As the first flower, a single bud develops in the middle, the so-called royal flower. If you cut these off, the bell peppers will branch better and more flowers will form later.
Is repotting necessary?
Since the ornamental peppers are only cared for once a year until the fruits ripen, you do not have to repot them.
However, it can be worthwhile to put purchased plants in fresh substrate immediately after purchase. Often the soil supplied is much too moist.
Potting soil is suitable as a substrate. When the fruits are grown for consumption, you should assemble the substrate yourself from compost and garden soil.
Which diseases and pests can occur?
- Gray mold
- Spider mites
- Aphids
Gray mold mainly occurs when the substrate is constantly too moist and the ornamental peppers do not get enough air. Do not place it too close to other plants to allow air to circulate.
Spider mites and aphids are more common, especially when the humidity is very low.
Can you bring ornamental peppers over the winter?
Ornamental paprika is an annual ornamental plant. After the fruit has fallen, it is used up and disposed of in the compost. So it does not have to be overwintered, but is sown or bought again every spring.
Tips
The fruits of ornamental peppers are edible. However, you should only eat them if you are sure the plant has not been sprayed. Pre-treated plants are too heavily contaminated with pollutants.
