I had the most gorgeous bell peppers in the garden this year, most likely due to the unseasonably warm summer in our region. Alas, this is not always the case. Generally, my plants set a couple of fruit at best, or no fruit on the pepper plants at all. That led me to do a little research on why a pepper plant won't produce.
Why a Pepper Plant Won't Produce
One reason for a pepper plant with no flowers or fruit may be the weather. Peppers are warm season plants suited to USDA zones 9b through 11b that thrive in temperatures of 70 to 85 degrees F. (21-29 C.) during the day and 60 to 70 degrees F. (15-21 C.) at night. Cool temps retard the plant’s growth, resulting in pepper plants that aren’t flowering, and thus, pepper plants not fruiting either. They need a long growing season with at least six hours of full sun. Be sure to wait for the soil to warm in the spring after all chance of frost has passed in your region prior to setting your transplants and to get a jump start on harvest, set out six to eight week old transplants. Conversely, extended temps over 90 degrees F. (32 C.) will engender peppers that may flower but incur blossom drop, hence, a pepper plant that is not producing. So a picky pepper plant with no flowers or fruit may be the result of an incorrect temperature zone, either too hot or too cold. Another common reason for a pepper plant not producing may be blossom end rot, which is caused by a calcium deficiency and occurs when night temps are over 75 degrees F. (23 C.). It appears, as the name indicates, as a brown to black rot on the blossom end of the fruit with a result in loss of the pepper. Speaking of a calcium deficiency, another problem with peppers not flowering or setting fruit is inadequate nutrition. Plants with too much nitrogen become lush, green, and large at the expense of fruit. Peppers need more phosphorus and potassium to set fruit. They don’t need a lot of food, 1 teaspoon of 5-10-10 at planting time and an additional teaspoon just at bloom time. Peppers need more phosphorus and potassium to set fruit. They don’t need a lot of food, 1 teaspoon (5 mL.) of 5-10-10 at planting time and an additional teaspoon just at bloom time. It might be wise to invest in a soil testing kit to verify if or what your soil may be lacking. If you’ve already planted your peppers and overfertilized, don’t despair! There’s a quick fix for overfertilization. Spray the plant with 1teaspoon of Epsom salts dissolved in a spray bottle of warm water, 4 cups of water (940 mL.). This gives the peppers a boost of magnesium, which facilitates blooming, hence fruit! Spray the plants again ten days later.
Additional Reasons for No Fruit on Pepper Plants
It's also possible that your pepper won't set fruit because it's receiving inadequate pollination. You may want to help it out by hand pollinating your peppers with a tiny brush, cotton swab, or even your finger. In lieu of that, a gentle shake may aid in distributing the pollen. Control weeds and insects and give the peppers adequate irrigation to reduce the chance of stressing it. Lastly, frequent harvesting of peppers promotes a good fruit set, allowing the pepper to channel its energy into growing additional fruit once the others have been picked. Feed your peppers properly, make sure the plants have at least six hours of sun, keep the area around the peppers free of weeds, plant at the correct time, hand pollinate (if necessary), and irrigate with about an inch (2.5 cm.) of water per week and fingers crossed, you should have a bumper crop of peppers coming your way.
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FAQs
Incorrect Temperature Can Cause Peppers Not Flowering
Why are my pepper plants growing but not producing fruit? ›
So a picky pepper plant with no flowers or fruit may be the result of an incorrect temperature zone, either too hot or too cold. Another common reason for a pepper plant not producing may be blossom end rot, which is caused by a calcium deficiency and occurs when night temps are over 75 degrees F.
How to encourage pepper plants to flower? ›
đź’ˇ Triggers for Flowering
Light, temperature, and watering all play a crucial role. Pepper plants are sun worshippers, needing at least six hours of full light a day to produce healthy flowers. They also prefer warm temperatures and just the right amount of water. Not too much, not too little.
What to do if pepper plants are not growing? ›
Solutions:
- Place your pepper plants in an area of your garden that receives ample sunlight.
- Use an indoor grow light if starting your pepper plants indoors.
- Consider using reflective materials to maximize light exposure.
- Move your container plants to areas with complete sun exposure.
Identify the flowers ready for pollination: Usually, these are the ones with fully open petals. Use a small paintbrush or cotton swab: Gently swirl it inside each flower to collect pollen on the tool. Transfer the pollen: Brush it onto the stigma (central part) of the same flower or another flower on the same plant.
Do peppers need to be pollinated to produce fruit? ›
Peppers have what are called “perfect flowers,” which means that each individual pepper flower contains both the male (stamens) and female (pistil) reproductive organs. As a result, each pepper flower can “self- pollinate” to produce a pepper on its own.
What is the trick to growing peppers? ›
Quick Guide to Growing Peppers
Plant them 18 to 24 inches apart in a sunny, well-drained spot. Pepper plants need at least 6-8 hours of sunlight per day. Mix compost or other organic matter into the soil when planting. Water immediately after planting, then regularly throughout the season.
What to put on pepper plants to help them grow? ›
Three Key Nutrients for Strong, Happy Pepper Plants
The three key nutrients you need for your pepper plants are nitrogen, phosphate, and potassium. Nitrogen is the most important element as it supports the regulation of photosynthesis, which then encourages foliage production and leafy growth.
What fertilizer do peppers need when fruiting? ›
Sulfate of potash. Sulfate of potash is a type of fertilizer made from potassium sulfate. It is rich in potassium, making it ideal for fruit production. The sulfate of potash can also help improve the overall health of pepper plants.
How often should I water pepper plants? ›
Do pepper plants need a lot of water? Peppers actually like to dry out a bit between watering. That said, during the longest hottest days of summer, especially in pots, that may be every day. With cooler weather and during the spring and fall you may only need to water them every 2-3 days.
Cold soil temperatures can be one of the reasons why peppers won't grow, black plastic mulch is recommended. Peppers thrive in the heat, and that includes warm soil temperatures. After transplanting, cold soil temperatures may be to blame for your pepper plants failing to grow.
When should pepper plants flower? ›
Flowering Stage (Weeks 8-10)
As the plant continues to grow and mature, it will begin forming flowers along its stems. This is the beginning of the reproductive stage of growth. Pepper flowers opening up.
How long does it take for a pepper plant to bear fruit? ›
Depending on the size of the pepper varieties planted, spacing should be 12-18 inches apart. Peppers can double as ornamentals, so tuck some into flowerbeds and borders. Most sweet peppers mature in 60-90 days; hot peppers can take up to 150 days.
How do you prune a pepper plant to produce more fruit? ›
How to Trim Pepper Plants
- Get gardening shears – make sure they are clean and sharp!
- Cut the plant just above a leaf node.
- Remove a few of the leaves to allow more light to hit the plant.
- Remove the rest of the leaves from where the new growth came in.
- This will allow the plant to focus on all the new growth.
The growth of pepper flowers is a sign that the plant is either making room for peppers to grow, or it needs help from beneficial pollinators like bees to fertilize the flowers in order to grow and develop fruit.
Should you fertilize pepper plants when fruiting? ›
During the fruiting stage, plants need less nitrogen but plenty of phosphorus and potassium for the best yields. This can be achieved using a well balanced fertilizer all season, or by switching fertilizers halfway through the growing season to reduce nitrogen.
