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Spicy exchange / 2023

Pepper blossom drop: What to do when flowers fall off

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What is blossom drop?

Blossom drop refers to the natural phenomenon of flowers falling off a plant without developing into fruits.

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Some blossom drop is a normal occurrence in pepper plants. However, it can also be an indication that something is wrong. Keep swiping to learn about 5 common causes of blossom drop and what to do.

Is blossom drop normal?

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One possible reason for peppers to drop their flowers without producing fruit is overwatering. Unlike some other plants in the garden, peppers do not require excessive amounts of water. When peppers are overwatered or do not have proper drainage, the plant can become stressed, leading to blossom drop.

Overwatering

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What to do:

Adjusting your watering practices to prevent overwatering and alleviate the stress on pepper plants is essential. 1. Only water when needed 2. Water at the base 3. Water deeply but less often

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Peppers may drop their flowers without producing fruit due to excessive heat. Heat waves can cause stress to pepper plants, leading to flower drop. 

Excessive heat

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What to do

While it’s often not possible to control outdoor temperatures, you can give your plants some relief by adding shade. Hang a 35-50% shade cloth to reduce the intensity of direct sunlight. 

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Peppers may drop their flowers without producing fruit due to cold temperatures. If nighttime temperatures consistently fall below 60 degrees Fahrenheit, the plant may experience blossom drop.

Not enough heat

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What to do

If you want to artificially extend your pepper growing season, consider using a heat tunnel to  increase the temperature around the plants. A heat tunnel is a wire structure covered with cloth, which traps heat from the sun, creating a warmer microclimate.

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Peppers are typically pollinated by bees and other insects. If your garden lacks a sufficient population of pollinators, the flowers may remain unfertilized and eventually drop.

Poor pollination

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What to do

To address this issue and improve pollination, there are a few steps you can take: 1. Stimulate pollen release by gently shaking the plant 2. Interplant pollinator-friendly flowers to attract bees and other beneficial insects 3. Improve air circulation

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Excessive nitrogen levels in the soil can lead to pepper plants focusing their energy on producing lush foliage instead of flowers and fruits. While peppers benefit from nitrogen-rich fertilizers, an overabundance of nitrogen can hinder fruit production.

Too much nitrogen

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What to do

To address this issue and balance nitrogen levels, you can use fertilizers high in phosphorus, such as bone meal. Phosphorus is essential for promoting flowering and fruit development in plants.

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