Chilli's

[zabado]

I'm growing various types of chilli's in my greenhouse and one type is called "ring o' fire" it's about five inches tall but has now started to lean over. Should I fasten them to a small cane or should I "top" them to make them bushier ?.
Thanks.

[Ratty2E]

I don't know this variety but the ones I usually grow get to about 3' eventually and I don't pinch them out at all. I do tie them in as soon as they look like they need it. If these are a small 'windowsill' type of plant then pinching them out should make a bushier plant and produce more fruit.

[Chipchopper]

I agree with Ratty, If you decide to pinch the top/s out, the plant may still need the support of a cane, so I'd fasten it with twine, using a figure of 8.

My chili (bell boy) is going 'Great Guns!', I feed it once a week, on previously watered compost.

Enjoy your chili but remember, they don't call it 'Ring of fire' for nothing! ;-)

[Old_Geezer]

I have a chilli growing on the patio this year (have no greenhouse) but no idea what to do except keep my fingers crossed.

When I was younger the hottest chilli I came across was the jalapeno. Now, at the garden centre, the list shows that as the mild one ! The hotter varieties don't look safe according to the ratings shown ! The sort you might drop on in an Olympic sized swimming pool if you wanted to guarantee everyone got out.

[hammerman]

I grow about 30 varieties of chilli at home in the greenhouse. Never had the need to pinch out the growing tips. A small cane will help maintain the plant's shape and top it falling over.

[midagetrolop]

My son grows chillies every year , many varieties. Yes you can nip them to make them bush, but it will make the chillies come later. You can support them with a cane and don't forget to feed them. Good luck!