Topic: Windowsill chillis

[Stripeybea]

Hi there

I've got a chilli plant on my kitchen windowsill (no idea what sort), it has quite a few long green chillis on but now the leaves are starting to fall off and the plant looks quite sad. 

Should I hang on in there and wait till they turn red....or....pick them now and they'll turn red later....or just pick them and use them?  ???

thanks in advance!
Bea

[Bugloss2009]

chilis can have 2 or 3 growth periods in the year. Maybe yours is just about to start again (give it a feed)

if it really does look poor, probably best to take the fruit off and give it an extra chance. It you try one of them and they aren't hot and they were supposed to be, maybe leave them on a bit longer

they won't turn red off the plant probably but that doesn't matter

chilis freeze very well by the way.

[Jeannine]

I have had chillies turn red off the plant.. if I have to pull them underipe I string them and hang them on the wall they turn red as they dry.

XX Jeannine

[Stripeybea]

I gave them a feed but came down the next morning to find another pile of leaves (I have a feeling they're depressed that summer seems to be over  ;) )

I'm going to remove the chillis and freeze them I think

thanks for the help ladies  :)

Bea

[chriscross1966]

Get them more light if possible and make sure the compost is damp but not sodden.... some chillies are day-length sensitive adn they always lose out on windowsill unless they face south....