Day 144
UPDATE#24
Grower update
Update #24
I wont be posting much on this one as I am waiting for them all to ripen as new ones are forming. However wanted to show you the twins
GrowLog
SuccessfulSweet Apple, Sweet Jalapeño, and Zapotec Jalapeño in a Farm 24 XL
Grow log by Shawn · Original thread
24 visual updates45 photos107 replies
View recapCrop🌶️Pepper
VarietySweet Apple, Sweet Jalapeño, Zapotec Jalapeño
MethodAeroGarden Farm 24 XL hydroponics
EquipmentAeroGarden Farm 24 XL
Plants3
AudienceBeginners
What you can learnUseful three-variety comparison showing different plant sizes, yields, fruit shapes, and flavour outcomes in one Farm.
Actions:2 Pruning2 Nutrients1 Equipment1 Harvest
Useful practices
- thinning to one plant per pod
- selective defoliation
- adjusting grow-light height
- freezing ripe peppers
Problems encountered
- leaf curl
- uneven plant vigour
- Sweet Jalapeño underperformance
- Sweet Apple flavour disappointment
*The days were calculated automatically and approximately.
Conversation
S
That's so much fun to see the twins all grown up. They look nicer than I expected them to!
S
20ml nutes and mooch I also took 4 ripe peppers off for Mark's chili. While these are hot in the pith and seeds, they are not that bad when you take them out. They also have a wonderful taste when cooked in something. I also put two in Chicken Salad (made with mayo) and they were very good in there too!
S
It sounds like a wonderful variety!
S
It is, just very very hot if you eat the seeds and pith seeds lye in,
S
I was not liking how the plants the left side of the farm looked so I decided to do an R&R on this side also.. The water was yellow here as well. Have no clue why but I cleaned the basins and rinses the roots and put everything back.Fed them only nutes.
S
Hope the water problem is solved.
S
See other thread about why, but I do not know if this plant will make it either. I should know more tomorrow.
S
This has been terminated. I cleaned the whole unit and will be planting something new soon.
S
Sorry it didn't work out, Shawn.
Day 142
UPDATE#23
Grower update
Update #23
Actions taken
HarvestCut ripe peppers from the plants to freeze and use at dinner.
Just a few, still cutting some more off the plant to freeze. Keep a few out to put in with dinner tonight. I will be making my Mexicalli Hot Dogs
Conversation
M
The red is so pretty!
S
They are so vibrant! I hope they taste as good as they look!
S
Mark gave his review. They are sweet but once you get to the seeds and pith, fiery hot. I will only put a couple in the dish to give it flavor and some heat. Not the amount I do in his chili
Day 139
UPDATE#22
Grower update
Update #22
The reds will be coming off and placed in the freezer for future use in dishes. Here is a front and underside view:
Conversation
S
Such a beautiful, successful project!
Day 129
UPDATE#21
Grower update
Update #21
FINALLY.... There are 4 but you cannot see them all Color changes have begun
Conversation
S
Finally! It has taken forever!
S
I have about a dozen red Zapotec Jalapenos on my plant. I picked two to slice up and put in the Chili I have in the slow cooker. Mark tried one last night. He bit the bottom tip and said they were sweet and really good... Until you get tot he seeds and pith. Then that is where it get HOT.
Day 122
UPDATE#20
Grower update
Update #20
Sweet Jalapeno Review While they are still green on the verge of changing colors, the Sweet Jalapeno I ate had no heat. Just sweet. Mark explained it well, if a bell pepper and a jalapeno had a baby, this would be it. The pepper was crunchy. will update this post with a picture once I cut one in half.
Conversation
S
Picture added in post above
S
Added 20ml nutes and mooch
S
I ended the Apple Pepper. The one that turned red Mark plucked. He was not fond of the taste. Yes it was sweet however it did have a floral note to it. I could not place my finger on it. I did try one that was turning and to me it tasted like a bell but with that floral note.The Zapactoc is still filled with peppers and taking FOREVER to change colors. These have been tasted green and were HOT, I can't wait for them to turn red to try.
Day 121
UPDATE#19
Grower update
Update #19
This will be the last update until I see some ripening. Under shot of one side of the Zapotec Peppers... They are darkening.. Some look like they have a red tinge but it is the lighting...
Conversation
S
They are very pretty at this stage, too.
Day 108
UPDATE#18
Grower update
Update #18
Look at the size of these Apple Peppers (on the shortest plant I have) The Siamese Twins are still doing well
Conversation
S
They are huge! And if they taste as good as they look, they will be delicious! Are those two peppers on the bottom photo the same twins we saw earlier? If so, they look like they have separated more.
S
Yes, they are the same although there is no tearing so the hold is the same.
S
Green Zapotec Jalapeno Review - One of these fell off the plant so I left it for Mark to taste. Well we both thought it was going to be sweet. It did have a smokey flavor for about two seconds UNTIL it turned fiery hot. Immediately started to burn the back of his throat with heat. Very hot and after that subsided it was a good flavor BUT beware, these are hotter then stated.
S
This morning I ended the Sweet Jalapeno plant. I took all the green peppers off and have them on the counter for now. The plant never did very well. I think the Zapotec plant took all the nutes as that one is doing wonderful. Still waiting on them to change colors. They are all getting darker in color so soon I hope. The Apple Peppers I am also waiting on color change.
Day 99
UPDATE#17
Grower update
Update #17
Actions taken
NutrientsAdded nutrients and Mooch.
Nutes and mooch given
Conversation
S
They look great!
S
My Sweet Apple plants leaves look darker and crisper then the others. However the peppers are growing. One fell off green and we tasted it. I think once ripe it will be delish. It was still a little grassy tasting. My Sweet Jalapeno is not producing like I would have thought. It is not dense and full like the others but more like the Peanuts Christmas tree, has peppers but not many leaves and easy to see thru them and the branches. The Zapotec has exploded with peppers, all green still. Just waiting on these to ripen. I have a fan in there I need to put on, maybe some more air flow will be good
S
Still awaiting color changes Gave Mooch today
Day 87
UPDATE#16
Grower update
Update #16
I love the shape of the Sweet Apple Peppers. While still green you can see the shape
Conversation
S
Those are beautiful. And such an unusual shape! I have not seen that kind of pepper before.
U
Unusual shape and I am eager for a taste test. BTW...your puppy is no longer a puppy LOL! Piper really grew big, Shawn!
S
I am eager for them to turn red for a taste test but I have a little more to go. Yes, Piper is big. All 53 pounds of her. Strong too!
Day 80
UPDATE#15
Grower update
Update #15
Here they are today. The one plant is 2 feet tall ... Sweet Apple: Zapotec Jalapeno: Zapotec Conjoined Twins: Sweet Jalapeno:
Conversation
S
Yes! They are well on their way!
Day 74
UPDATE#14
Grower update
Update #14
Not the best picture as I had a furry lug trying to sniff the plants... And here is the twins...
Conversation
S
What a loaded, healthy plant!
M
That's a really interesting shape. I wonder how sweet they will be?
Day 71
UPDATE#13
Grower update
Update #13
I have peppers on two of the plants. As you see the three pictures below, can you spot the pepper that is a twins?
Conversation
S
That is so cool! I have had a twin pepper that split out at an angle from its twin, but never have seen one growing like yours!
S
Yesterday 20ml of nutes and mooch were added. This morning a lot more flowers opened.
Day 68
UPDATE#12
Grower update
Update #12
Some growth and so many flowers
Conversation
S
What a gorgeous pepper garden!
Day 60
UPDATE#11
Grower update
Update #11
All three have flowers and buds. [/url][/div]
Conversation
S
Looking good!
S
The Zapotec Jalapeno has a lot of flowers open with more buds. The Sweet Jalapeno had some bus not yet flowering and lastly the apple. This is a very tight and short plant. I am surprised as it should have grown a lot more. However it has a ton of buds and flowers starting to open.
Day 50
UPDATE#10
Grower update
Update #10
Actions taken
EquipmentRaised the grow hood.
All three are doing well. I even raised the hood more. (full picture below) The front right has tiny buds in the break off spots. Should I trim these out mike ? The back right has buds and hopefully peppers to follow I forgot to wipe the deck down
Conversation
S
That is such a pretty garden, Shawn. How are you liking your Farm so far?
S
So far so good. I will do my first R&R maybe next week. Otherwise on the feeding after.
M
No, let them grow. They should be developing by now.
S
Thank you
S
Did my first R&R with this garden. Went easy but is slow to drain. Gave 20ml nutes and mooch.
S
Shawn, I am so happy that the R&R was not a problem. I had wondered how it would go.
Day 44
UPDATE#9
Grower update
Update #9
Actions taken
PruningRemoved extra-large pepper leaves.
NutrientsAdded nutrients and Mooch.
As mentioned I did cut the extra large leaves off. However the front plant has been curled like this for over a week. They were fed both nutes and mooch yesterday. Any ideas?
Conversation
M
Since it's not affecting the other two pepper plants, I think some pepper plants have micronutrient issues. I used to feel it was too many nutes. Too few for yellowing. Now, I feel pH and solids are more of a factor, but I don't want to mess around with that headache.
S
Thanks. I will see how it grows over the next week.
S
20ml Mooch. Took a few leaves off and need to take a
Day 35
UPDATE#8
Grower update
Update #8
mike , any ideas on this one. DOes that look like a branch off? Or do you think I should top? Plant is maybe 4" high Front Right: My other two are the same way but shorter.
Conversation
S
mike, just in case you missed the post above this one... can you take a look. I am hoping for taller plants then this
M
I'd give them a couple more weeks. I don't think topping them is an option at this point. Have you given them Mooch yet? I usually see significant growth after Mooch is added at one month.
S
No but today would be the day (next week will be nutes). How much do you suggest for the Farm to start?
M
After one month, 20 ml.
S
Ok I will make note and I will feed as it is one month. Thank you mike
S
Gave 20ml Mooch today.
M
Please note, that growth isn't always vertical. It could bush out.
S
Yes I understand
S
20ml nutes (I hope that is enough or not too much) 20ml Mooch
M
That's what I do for all my peppers.
S
Thanks Mike, that makes me feel better. I also took of another of the 4 largest leaves and a few more teeny buds.
Day 33
UPDATE#7
Grower update
Update #7
Here they are this morning all looking happy. I can only assume that I still have time until I top mike ? Here is each one. Sweet Jalapeno: Zapotec Jalapeno: Sweet Apple:
Conversation
S
Shawn, they alll look beautiful and happy!
S
Thank you
S
I have not had to raise the lights as of yet.
M
Those look like fun!
Day 30
UPDATE#6
Grower update
Update #6
Since adding nutes on Sunday, my plants are greener and grew as well. mike, I may need your assistance in a couple of weeks as to if I should top or not.
Conversation
S
They look great, Shawn!
M
Very nice. Just let me know.
Day 24
UPDATE#5
Grower update
Update #5
Actions taken
PruningThinned each pod down to one plant.
Thinned each down to one. I will be adding nutes when prompted.
Conversation
S
In two days I will need to add nutes. I have NO idea how much to add. I guess I should do 8ml?
S
Reread, going to add 16ml on Sunday.
S
I don't have a Farm, but with a 2 gallon tank, that sounds about right. Don't you just double what you would use in a one gallon Bounty?
S
I have no clue. I am reading the bottle and will consult with our Pepper King. This would be the first time adding nutes with a Farm.
S
Received 15ml nutes today.
Day 19
UPDATE#4
Grower update
Update #4
All are well. I am waiting a little more before I trim out the extra plant in the pods.
Conversation
S
They look perky and happy!
S
Today I will be thinning each pod to one plant.
Day 13
UPDATE#3
Grower update
Update #3
Updated. Looking up close, I need to dust the deck.
Conversation
S
The one thing good about getting older is you don't see the dust as well! Wishing your peppers long, productive lives!
S
Today is Nutes Day. (Pic same as above)...Should I add nutes now or wait until they are a bit larger?
S
They look pretty pale to me. I would add nutes.
Day 8
UPDATE#2
Grower update
Update #2
Conversation
S
Your Farm is officially in business!
U
Wishing you successful harvests and a lot of fun with your new Farm, Shawn! YAY!
S
Yes they are SherThank you @cornne
Day 1
UPDATE#1
Grower update
Update #1
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Sweets Garden #2Machine: Farm 24XLVendor: Refining Fire ChilesName: (See Below)Seeds: 2 per podSponge: ParkNutes: None to start Sweet Apple-(Capsicum annuum)-An extremely juicy and sweet pepper. Fruits are about 4 inch shaped like a top. Very productive and disease resistant. If you like sweet peppers that are not bells than this is a good sweet chile plant to grow. Peppers are big enough to stuff. So juicy you will think your eating fruit! The Sweet Apple chile plants grow 2-3 feet tall. Zapotec Jalapeno-(Capsicum annuum)-The Zapotec Jalapeno is an Old World Jalapeno from Oaxaca, Mexico. It was one of the many older peppers that date back to the time of the Aztecs. But why you are seeing it now is because it has a story. I obtained mine from Louisiana grower and friend Gary Montcalm. But Gary found out about this pepper from Beth Boyd. So I, Jim Duffy have decided that this informational post about the Zapotec Jalapeno will be dedicated to the Memory and Legacy of the Chile Queen Beth Boyd. Beth was a native Houston, Texan. She passed away at the young age of 55 in October 2014. Beth Boyd had a website called Peppermania. On it you could find pepper seeds, BBQ supplies, spices and many other items. But Beth was not just another seller. Beth went to other countries especially Mexico and brought back seed varieties many of us never grew till she told us about them. Many were from Oaxaca region. The Chilhuacle types especially. Also Beth known as the “Chile Queen” was also called the “Aji Queen”. Because she was one of the first people to expose us to the Aji pepper types. Beth also brought attention to the Foodarama Scotch Bonnet she discovered in a local store. Isn’t it fascinating for you all to finally know who she is and the Legacy she passed onto us Chile growers and spicy food lovers! We need to always remember Beth! Now back to the Zapotec Jalapeno. Beth brought back this pepper from Oaxaca. It soon became her favorite Jalapeno and the only one she would grow in her garden. It has a smoky sweet flavor. It ripens from green to dark red and will get cracking lines lengthwise on the pepper skin. It has a high jalapeno heat level. Perfect for poppers or salsa but also just roasting as well. The Zapotec Jalapeno chile plants grow 2 to 3 feet tall. This was Beth’s favorite Jalapeno. Because of her love for peppers and Chileheads you now can experience it. As I have said before there are more important things than the World’s Hottest Pepper. The Memory and Legacy of Beth Boyd is more important. Please grow and share her story and enjoy the Zapotec Jalapeno! Sweet Jalapeno-(Capsicum annuum)-The Sweet Jalapeno is not your ordinary no heat regular Jalapeno. There are a few varieties bred that are no heat Jalapenos but they just have ordinary Jalapeno flavor. The Sweet Jalapeno does have a small or mild amount of heat. But also has a Jalapeno flavor with sweetness mixed in!! To get the most flavor from these it is suggested to harvest when red. The Sweet Jalapeno peppers are about 2 inches long and a half inch wide. They are great for fresh salsas, Pickling, stuffing, roasting and salads. Finally a flavorful Jalapeno the lightweights can enjoy, because not everyone is a fire eater!! The Sweet Jalapeno chile plants grow to 2 feet tall and are very heavy bearing.
Conversation
S
YOU GOT A FARM!!!! The sweet apples peppers sound especially delicious to me!!!!
S
I do not know how all will fair but I am trying none the less.
S
Nothing that I can tell YET but what I can see is that the seeds are softening.
S
That's progress! Crossing my fingers for you!
S
I took a better look. All the peppers have a root starting.
S
All three have germinated
S
Yay!!!! I'm so glad!
U
Looks like a fun project! Looking forward to having a farm unit someday to grow some of these taller peppers.