As chilli plants grow, they are prone to dropping their flowers. This can be a major issue as it could result in a lower yield of chillies. However, there are several ways to control and prevent flower dropping in chillies.
One of the most common reasons for flower dropping in chillies is inadequate pollination. To prevent this, it is important to ensure that your chilli plants are getting enough bees for pollination. Bees play an important role in fertilizing flowers, so if there aren’t enough bees visiting your plants, you can help by hand pollinating the flowers yourself. Hand pollination is easy and simply involves gently brushing the flowers with a small brush or even shaking the plant gently to encourage pollen transfer.
Another reason for flower dropping in chillies is high temperatures. If the temperature gets too high, the plant will stop producing flowers, leading to a significant decrease in yield. It is important to keep chilli plants in a cool and well-ventilated area, especially during hot summer days. Providing shade using a cloth or shade netting can also help to reduce the temperature around the plant.
Over-fertilization can also cause flower dropping in chilli plants. If you use too much fertilizer in your soil, the plant will grow too quickly and focus on producing leaves rather than flowers. To prevent this, it is advisable to use a balanced fertilizer or slow-release fertilizer that will allow your plants to grow naturally.
Water management is also crucial in preventing flower dropping in chillies. Over-watering or under-watering your plant can lead to flower dropping. It is important to keep the soil evenly moist, but not waterlogged. Regular watering in the morning or evening can also help to regulate soil moisture.
In conclusion, ensuring adequate pollination, regulating temperature, controlling fertilizer use, and managing water levels are all essential steps in controlling flower dropping in chilli plants. By following these simple tips, you can help your chilli plants to grow healthier, produce more flowers, and yield a bountiful harvest of fresh and flavorful chillies.