Question
Hi Don,

I have to pepper plants that are potted on my patio. Both get plenty of South Florida sun and water and are in plenty large vessels to grow. Initially both grew up quite rapidly and the jalepeno produced peppers, maybe 5 or so, while the serrano has not yet. Both have recently started to struggle for no apparent reason with their leaves molting, however there is some new growth on both plants, is that normal? There's been no changes in the weather or their watering, but i cannot figure out why they are not doing as well as the other herbs, vegetables and plants i have in the same area. Both have shown flowers, but then the flowers die off. Anything you can suggest? Thanks!

Answer
Mike:

Jalapenos are a little fussy. The molt could come from a root disease. Please look closely at the back of the leaves to make sure that you don't have mites. I really suspect that the soil is contaminated. As the weather is beginning to warm in South Florida I suggest that you try some fresh seeds. Insure that potting soil has been fired to kill all the bad things. Expensive potting soil is the only one  to use. These plants require fertilizer every 15 days and with them being in pots, water every other day. Please let me know how you make at at [email protected].

I am growing jalapenos commercially in Northern Thailand and it is not so easy.

Best wishes.

Don Battles