To pollinate or not to pollinate?

[OberonUK]

I expect this is a dumb question that has been asked a million times before but I can't find a conclusive answer anywhere!

I have a few different pepper/chilli plants in my greenhouse. Apache, Colour Spectrum, Sweet Ingrid, Medina (grafted) and Chocolate. Many are now showing flowers. I have read dozens of books, searched far too many websites to find out if these plants need any human intervention in terms of pollination. Some say yes, tickle with a paintbrush, some say no, you might damage them. 

So, lest I suffer the slings and arrows of a very anticipatory OH ("you can have a greenhouse if you grow me some strawberries and some peppers") I need to know, to pollinate or not to pollinate? That is my question.

[OberonUK]

[Glen]

Hi OberonUK.

This is only my second year growing chilli's, so I am no expert!

Last year I tried to pollinate my plants with a paint brush with little success. This year I have left well alone and let nature take its course and I now have lots of chilli's on all 15 of my plants. I do tend to give the plants a little shake in the afternoon's to help with pollination.

Also my plants are now outside - so I suppose the wind and insects will also help with pollination. If you are growing in a greenhouse you may need to give them more of a helping hand, as there will be little breeze or insects to help.

Like I say I am no expert and I am sure some one with more knowledge will be along soon to give you a more definitive answer.  :)

[BarriedaleNick]

I let them get on with it and it seems to be fine - I have been doing them for a few years and haven't had to get involved. They are mostly in a cheap lastic greenhouse but there are loads of hoverflys and bees in there during the day.
Some people do mist the plants to encourage fruit set I believe so you can try that if you don't get any fruit..

[goodlife]

no need to... ;D ;)

[OberonUK]

Many thanks. I'll continue to mist in the mornings and other than that let nature take her course. I'll report back as and when I get any peppers to harvest!

[arko]

Chillies are self-pollinating. There is no real need to do this and also you run the risk of cross-pollination. I tend to just give the trunk a shake to agitate the pollen.