Topping chili pepper plants for higher yield

[unluckyPete]

Hey guys,

as I started my chilis little too early this year and they got a bit spindly, I've decided to top half of them and compare the results throught the season.

I've planted 12 varieties, 2 plants each and topped one of them 2 months after sowing (mid March). The root system was already nicely developed and the cut was made below the first Y (plants were quite big at the time, ± half of the plant was removed).

Pictures show the plants 2 weeks after topping. Picture on the right was taken another 2 weeks later (1 month after topping).

Cheiro Roxa


Caramel Bhut Jolokia:


Aji Rico:


Aji Habanero:


There are more pictures of remaining varieties (Pimenta de Neyde, Chocolate Scotch Bonnet, Fatalii, Super Chili, Fire Flame...) on my blog at http://unluckypete.com/2015/04/chili-plant-topping/

I'll post updates through the season.

p.

[JohnJones]

Interesting Pete. Please keep us updated.

[vodreaux]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8I1BtTNIIcY

There are several video about it.

[Misfit]

I don't have any experience topping peppers. But, I overwintered a Trinidad Scorpion that never produced last year. Not enough sunlight, and maybe planted a little late for my zone.

It has come back very nicely, and now hardened off. I'll probably plant it out in a week.

From your pictures the stalks of the plants look much thicker, after topping. So this might just work if you have a longish growing season?

-Jimmy

[heirloomtomaguy]

I usually never top my peppers. When i grow them in containers i trim them like a tree until they are a foot to 18 inches tall then i let them take off. Nice pic comparison though.