Day 206
UPDATE#27
Grower update
Update #27
Peppers. peppers, peppers!! YUMMY peppers!
GrowLog
SuccessfulCalifornia Wonder and Tequila Sunrise peppers: pruning experiment and repeated harvests
Grow log by Kate · Original thread
27 visual updates45 photos148 replies
View recapCrop🌶️Pepper
VarietyCalifornia Wonder, Tequila Sunrise
MethodAeroGarden Bounty hydroponics
EquipmentAeroGarden Bounty
Plants2
AudienceAdvanced
What you can learnStrong comparison of two pepper varieties under the same indoor conditions, including aggressive bud management, one plant’s sudden failure, and sustained production from the survivor.
Actions:6 Pruning6 Harvest2 Equipment1 Nutrients
Useful practices
- early topping
- bud pinching
- selective defoliation
- raising lights
- repeated harvesting
- pickling harvested peppers
Problems encountered
- cat damage
- very rapid growth and excessive budding
- California Wonder sudden collapse
- large plants difficult to rotate
*The days were calculated automatically and approximately.
Conversation
M
They’re so pretty
Day 194
UPDATE#26
Grower update
Update #26
So, I had an epiphany! Why not make a quick hot/spicy, pickled sweet pepper and red onion with garlic?! Why not, indeed!
Conversation
S
Good Idea
M
Yummy, Kate!
Day 193
UPDATE#25
Grower update
Update #25
Actions taken
HarvestCollected eight ripe peppers.
I thought I'd post an image before today's harvest. It's hard to see the ones in the back center and upper center hiding behind foliage, just hints of yellow, but there are 8 ready to go peppers in today's harvest, so that's 16 in the last week. Lots more green, too!
Conversation
M
Wonderful! Are you going to do your roasted veggies?
K
Absolutely, and in a tossed salad. If anyone has any recipes, please share!
S
I can not think of any off the top of my sleepy head. Been up since 1am and refuse to take a nap or I wont sleep tonight. I can not think at all LOL
R
Hmmm...what about poppers? They're usually made with Jalapeños but I bet these would be tasty.Something like this but sub these for the 'peño...Pepper Poppers
S
You can try my Jalapeno Popper Chicken and Pasta
K
These both look yummy. The TS from Burpee are a sweet pepper, so I'd definitely want to add heat somewhere.
Day 187
UPDATE#24
Grower update
Update #24
Actions taken
HarvestCollected eight peppers, four of which remained for the photo.
I took eight off the other day and we ate half of them before I could take an image, but I did get the other four. It's got a lot of peppers still of various sizes. You have to really look to see the green ones, especially the smaller ones.
Conversation
S
And still going strong
M
Nice! I like that they don’t all ripen at once, so you can enjoy a steady supply.
K
Yes, I like that they don't ripen all at once. They're ah-mazing in my oven roasted veggies, and stuffed with herbed cheese. They stay fresh and crisp, too.
Day 170
UPDATE#23
Grower update
Update #23
Actions taken
HarvestPulled two large ripe peppers.
Pepper city, man! I pulled the two huge, ripe ones from the right front a couple of days ago.
Conversation
S
I'd say, there are tons
M
That plant is a thing of beauty. I love it. It’s like it’s fake, it’s so perfect.
Day 162
UPDATE#22
Grower update
Update #22
Actions taken
HarvestCut two ripe peppers.
Buckets of peppers! It's covered with them, and constantly has new flowers. I counted over 30 without rooting around the back. I cut off two yesterday that were ready.
Conversation
S
There are a ton in there. It looks really good!
M
30 peppers?! Or 30 flowers?
K
Peppers. There are lots of flowers, but I haven't attempted to count them.
U
I would definitely say that this is a project to recommend! What a success!
M
I don’t know that I’ve had 30 peppers off a plant it’s whole life, let alone at once - you certainly do have the touch, Kate!!!
K
You're so sweet. Thank you, but I doubt it's me. I've seen lots of images of pepper plants with scads of peppers, though.
N
I'm going to feel so so uncool if I plant peppers and they don't live up to the high standards set by the folks on this board.
M
Hah!!😂. Very few can live up to the likes of some of the pepper-heads on this board. Don’t let it deter you...you will be in good company, I assure you, lol.And Kate, I’m sure those to which you refer are all photoshopped or artificially induced or ads; yours are the real deal!!!
K
I'm sure you'll do great, especially if you use the Flora Series and CALiMAGic. I'm guessing my success, (so far, knock on wood), is mostly from that.
K
You think so? I'm so naive.
M
Well, you’ve nailed everything so far!
S
Don't feel that way. I am no expert by far but I have had plants with a ton of peppers and some that only handed me a dozen or so. Every plant is different. The only nutes I have ever used on any of my plants have been the AG Nutes. As for supplements, I use Mr. Mucha-Stash only on my peppers (can be used on tomatoes but I do not grow those). In the beginning I went bonkers checking pH levels daily. I would add lemon juice or vinegar to adjust it. That was when I first started to AG. Now, for the past two years, I have not check pH and my plants are no worse for wear. Maybe they just like my water, I do not know. You will find your groove! You will be fine! Sorry to hijack the thread, I did not realize this was Kate's thread.Kate, the plants are doing so well. You picked up on them and are doing what they need to produce and thrive.
Day 143
UPDATE#21
Grower update
Update #21
Covered in fast-growing peppers, and still setting more. I'd have to turn the machine to get an image of the back, and that sounds too much like work Look at the difference in just 9 days, from my last post! Wowsah!
Conversation
M
I’ll say! Have you put this seed on the recommended projects thread? I’d sure like to remember to grow it when I have the chance.
Day 134
UPDATE#20
Grower update
Update #20
It seems I've been living with a murderer, and have been a victim of planticide. Four days ago, at about 9:30pm, as is my habit, I paid my gardens their final visit before the lights go out at 10pm. All was well, all plants happy and healthy. The following morning at 5am, when the lights go back on, to my horror, the California Wonder looked like I'd poured boiling water over it. To say it was wilted, is an understatement. I'd done a water change about 7 days prior, and all levels (pH, TDS), were quite perfect. There had been no significant temperature fluctuation, and there was no evidence of pests, even at 10x magnification. I did another water change and waited 24 hours. No change. I pulled the obviously murdered plant, horrified that I might lose the Tequila Sunrise to the same strange malady. After some reading, it appears this can happen, quite out of the blue. However, within 48 hours of removing the CW, the TS had literally gone from extending about 2/3 across the left side of the machine, to almost to the wall, far beyond the side the CW had previously inhabited. I absolutely believe the TS killed off his housemate, to take over the entire AG. The next day, I discovered that it's COVERED with new peppers of various sizes, and multiple new flowers. It has arched it's branches like the Phoenix, rising from the ashes of it's victim, spreading like the plague. Beware, my friends, beware.Sorry about my absence. I've been dealing with a terrible cold, that after descending to my chest, has caused several, semi-severe asthma attacks, and breathing was the only thing I could deal with. Tomorrow, I'm going to take a last image of the Fairy Garden, then take it down. I'm just waiting on a couple more flowers to open. It's huge, messy and I'm completely crispy-stick-a-fork-in-in-me, done and over it. I'm ready to plant a pepper plant. Probably another serial killer. Luckily, it will be alone.
Conversation
S
HA, the TS needs to be booked! Hope you start feeling better sooner then later.
M
That is amazing, Kate! And kinda funny! These TS seeds are a keeper. A great project. PS. I hope you’re feeling better.
Day 125
UPDATE#19
Grower update
Update #19
Actions taken
PruningHeavily cut back the Tequila Sunrise plant.
HarvestReported three prior harvests of Tequila Sunrise peppers.
The California Wonder has stayed very compact. I might not top it as a juvenile next time. A few decent size peppers and a few small still coloring up. More flowering ongoing. I heavily cut back the Tequila Sunrise again, taking potential peppers with it, as it sets flowers all the time. I've taken three harvests like the first one, and there are a few left, still ripening. Many new peppers have started higher up in the plant. I'd definitely recommend this one. Sweet and crunchy, tasty with stuffings, in salads and roasted. Yummy!
Conversation
S
Look at the color of those ripening peppers.
U
I can;t believe how low growing you got the Wonders to stay and develop fruit as well.
K
I topped both at about a month, I think. I've done almost nothing to the CW. I've taken a LOT off the TS, a few times. They're supposed to be about the same size. I selected them specifically for this reason. Clearly, not.
M
Well with a name like “Tequila Sunrise” and such prolific production, who can resist?!!! Will you be adding this to the Highly Recommended list? (Apologies if you already said)
K
If the TS keeps producing like this time, then yes. The CW has fairly small peppers, at least this time round. I'm not as amused with that one. It's super healthy, however.
S
How are these coming along?
Day 115
UPDATE#18
Grower update
Update #18
Actions taken
HarvestPulled the ripe peppers.
I pulled the few that are ready, this morning. I did take one last night and we munched on it. It was really tasty. Thin-walled, crisp and sweet. I would not say there's any kick whatsoever, but I ate 1/2 of a 3 inch pepper. This is quite the producer! These range in size from about 6 inches down to 3 inches. Any cool ideas to use them, feel free!
Conversation
S
Nice peppers!
M
Oh.mygosh! That’s huge! What beauties. Your long wait has paid off. Handsomely, I’d say. Congrats! I’m glad you took a pic of it in your hand to show scale. I would not have guessed they were that big otherwise.
K
About half are large and bulky looking like that one, and the rest vary mostly between 3-4 inches and the carrot shape they're described as being. I'm going to make roasted onions, peppers and mushrooms tonight, and those will be the peppers I use. I read in several places that they're amazing this way.
M
That sounds delicious.
K
We love roasted veggies, and make a mix of some kind of veggies at least a couple times a week.I want to do a quick pickle on some, too. If anyone has a yummy recipe, please let me know!
M
This is the basic pickle recipe I use and I play with the spices. Sometimes I add ginger, cardamom, dried pepper flakes if it’s a mild pepper, etc. You’ll notice there are no measurements for the turmeric and mustard seed at the end. The recipe didn’t call for them, I just added them and didn’t have a measurement. Beware that if adding turmeric it makes for a less attractive brine and pepper, but it tastes really good.
K
Thanks so much! That looks similar to one my mom had for a fast pickled "whatever". Yummy in my tummy!
Day 112
UPDATE#17
Grower update
Update #17
Both plant's peppers are starting to really color up. The TS is going like gangbusters! Mostly, really big peppers, too. The CW peppers are turning a sort of purple-burgundy so far. Surprisingly, the largest CW haven't really started turning color as yet. There are a lot of smaller peppers changing color. I'm not as amused with the amount or size of these like I am with the TS. It's harder to see the colors on that one, but it's there.
Conversation
S
Your are going to have a great Harvest.
U
What a spectacular display! I am waiting for a taste test. These are definitely on my list of pepper to grow in my Bounty.I am not one for hots, so would plant the Wonder. But tell me, it seems like a very tall plant..did you have to trim it down on the top frequently? and if so, did it reduce the fruitiing? Most of the posts are about the Tequila, but I would like to know more about the growth of the Wonders if you have time for a description.
K
Actually, the Tequila Sunrise is twice the height of the California Wonder. I've clipped some ends of taller branches on the TS, but nothing on the CW. I removed the huge leaves on both, early on. For a long time, they were the same size, but not any longer. The TS packet says "sweet", and I guess they're supposed to be sweet with a mild kick. Time will tell. Soon, I think for a few!
Day 106
UPDATE#16
Grower update
Update #16
More TS peppers are coloring up now. Right after I say something about wondering what kind of pepper they might be, too. It's a conspiracy.Very bright and shiny! There are a bunch of newer baby peppers higher up on both plants, too. Both are still flowering. So cute!
Conversation
M
Almost there!
Day 104
UPDATE#15
Grower update
Update #15
Tons of peppers! In the second image, nearly at center, you can see the orange starting on one TS pepper.
Conversation
S
I see it peaking through
M
Woo hoo!
Day 88
UPDATE#14
Grower update
Update #14
Here are a couple images semi up close of the lower portions of the two plants. They're doing great, still forming flowers and the peppers are getting BIG! No coloring up as yet.
Conversation
S
They look "Bounty" - Full
M
Bee-ee-u-tifal!!!
K
I'm really starting to wonder if my Tequila Sunrise is a Tequila Sunrise. I found a bunch of posts where people had the wrong pepper seeds in their packets, usually a bell. Needless to say, they're not a bell, but they're not all "carrot shaped". The size is right, about 5-6 inches, but they look more like an Italian pepper, an Anaheim, or maybe a Shicrapo. None have started changing color as yet, so I'm clueless.
M
It’s funny I spy 1 or 2 that are carrot shaped and the others like you said, Italian type. I Googled it for pics of plants and did find one that did not have all the perfectly shaped carrot shape like in the advertising photos. They were kind of a mix of Italian and carrot like yours. We shall see!
K
I have one starting to turn orange!
Day 79
UPDATE#13
Grower update
Update #13
Did I mention in the Fairy GAL how much I love the Flora Series plus CALiMAGic? If you missed it, I'll say it again. I HIGHLY recommend it! Amazing stuff. G-d, I love these plants! Tons of big peppers on both. I shouldn't have taken so close pics, but I wanted to show how big the oldest ones are. Doing my happy dance!
Conversation
K
Some of these are huge, like 6 inches long and an inch thick! They still need to color up to their pretty orange color.
S
I'd say so.
M
You know, I had never before wanted to fuss with the 3 series anything (because you know me), but you have had such incredible success (well above average) in several projects that I’d be willing to try. But, I always forget where to look on the forum for someone’s project for dosage etc. Is there a section where you can post your recommendation and dosage? You probably already brought this up and I forgot, and I apologize if that’s the case.
S
Check the General Forum for the Nutes tread. There may be something there.. and if not hopefully we can get it there.
K
It's actually on the bottles, as well as charts on their site, and a PDF with the recommended values plus a printable blank chart you can use for your own gardens and a cool online Feedchart Generator. I use the three Base Nutrients at the top and the CALiMAGic. Amazon sells the kits, which is nice.
M
Wow that’s great that they provide such guidance and support! Thanks for the links. And thanks for directing me to the nutes section, Shawn - I did find Dawn’s description/recommendation there.Ok, I’m taking the plunge!
K
That's great! I think you'll be pleased. You use varying amounts of them depending on the stage of growth, which makes sense rather than a OSFA approach.
Day 68
UPDATE#12
Grower update
Update #12
Actions taken
PruningRemoved large leaves and dried flower residue.
I removed some of the larger leaves on the Tequila Sunrise as it's getting really loaded and some are pretty big. Here are a few updated pics. One TS and two CW. The California Wonder peppers are getting larger, and many more forming. I'm removing the remains of the flowers as soon as the peppers have established and the flowers have fully dried.
Conversation
S
And many flowers too
Day 64
UPDATE#11
Grower update
Update #11
Here are some new pics of the TS and CA peppers. They're all over the plants, but the plants are now far too large to turn and I don't want to move the machine around today to get other angles. You still get the idea...I don't know if I should try and pull off the dry flower residue or leave it alone. I haven't messed with them.
Conversation
S
Nice and there are many
M
Lots! I don’t know that the flower detritus matters. Only if it is a really dense environment would I worry. And in that case I’d definitely remove any and all dead stuff. Even half-dead stuff. Under those circumstances I’d keep things super clean.
S
I have a can of air threat i will give a quick spray here and there to remove any dead or fallen debris.
Day 56
UPDATE#10
Grower update
Update #10
Actions taken
PruningPinched off the final cat-damaged leaf.
Here are my first peppers. The first picture is the beginnings of peppers in the California Wonder They're all over the plant, but this one was right in front. Those upper right leaves aren't yellow, BTW. It's the lighting. It's definitely a slower pepper-grower than the Tequila Sunrise, which has it's first fully formed pepper, at almost two inches long. It's in the center of the second picture. I pinched off the last cat-mangled leaf to take this image. It was hiding behind it. Sneaky pepper! They'll get much larger than that, between 4-6 inches. The CW is a full size bell pepper that you can eat green or fully ripened at red.So far, no buds have fallen, and I don't see any end rot on any of them. They're so cute.
Conversation
M
And the fruiting begins!
K
Lots of new peppers, some about an inch now on the TS! Lots of babies on the CA. They're starting to "look" like a bell pepper, but are much slower growers than the TS. It's interesting to see how different varieties grow.
M
Agree. If I’m not mistaken the bell type peppers take longer to develop their fruit. Your TR’s are more carrot shaped, yes? Can’t remember.
K
Yes, they're kind of like an elongated jalapeno. My longest is about 3 inches now, maybe.
Day 49
UPDATE#9
Grower update
Update #9
Here are a couple of the Tequila Sunrise, (Sweet or hot depending on what you read. My packet says hot.), with buds opening, and one of the California Wonder getting ready to open. I wish I could figure out how to show you the massive number of buds on these, especially the TS. There's just not an angle I can find to capture them all, then lighting issues with the leaves etc. Anyway...
Conversation
S
Looking good
Day 43
UPDATE#8
Grower update
Update #8
Actions taken
PruningRemoved many buds and very large leaves.
EquipmentRaised the lights several times.
I gave up pinching buds. As fast as I pinched, they grew twice as many, twice as fast. The lights have been raised several times, the plants are amazingly fast growers, and are covered in buds...again. The Tequila Sunrise (right) "appears" to have a LOT more buds than the California Wonder (left), which makes sense, as it always has. They're a smaller bud, as well. I must have pinched 30+ buds off the TS, and now I can't begin to count. I cut off the REALLY huge leaves on both plants.
Conversation
M
Sounds like it’s the perfect time to stop pinching then. Not that I know, but since you’ve already taken a good amount and the rate of replacement buds is so fast it sounds like your plants are really vital and raring to go! Let the bud profusion begin!!
S
I never pinch buds maybe I should be.
S
I never pinch buds maybe I should be.
K
I suppose if you have a spindly, thin-stalked, single branched or slow growing plant it makes sense, but honestly, it was an exercise in futility. They were laughing at me the whole time.
M
As usual you make me
K
I'm glad someone appreciates my warped, acerbic sense of humor.
J
I grew liebesapfel peppers in a container outside. It grew tall and only produced 2 peppers for the first round. Now there are 3 peppers forming at the very top of the plant, right by the tip of the stake that's holding it up. I started another one indoors, snipped the top off - leaves, buds, and all - at a certain point, and it started branching out, then forming new buds. It's now more of a bush, has a lot more flowers than the one in the container produced, and already has 6 peppers growing.On the other hand, I planted another pepper variety that I'd never grown before, waited until I saw buds and lengthening between the leaf nodes, then tried the same thing. This one grows up to 3 feet, so I planted it outside in a container. A few weeks later, only one branch has grown above the level of the cut, and I'm only seeing buds on that one branch. So it doesn't work with all peppers, apparently.
K
Maybe it has more to do with the AG than the method. Maybe soil growing isn't as conducive to the regeneration as hydroponics is.
Day 34
UPDATE#7
Grower update
Update #7
Actions taken
NutrientsFed the pepper plants.
Update of these lovely plants. They had their feeding. I'll watch them to see if it looks like they're good to support growing fruit at this stage. Most of the damaged leaves are off, but I'm taking it slowly. The leaves that seem to have repaired themselves well, I'm not so concerned about.
Conversation
M
Wow, they sure did recover nicely. Very resilient. Regarding the timing of the buds, I wish I had some sage advice for you, but I’ve never experimented with that. I would guess that you could let the 2nd set of buds grow into fruit after removing the first set. That buys the plant at least some time to grow further before flowering.
K
Thanks for giving assistance. I'm surprised none of the serious pepper growers on here have an opinion. Oh well.
S
I am not that educated to give an answer.All I know is just when I think a plant is done I get more flowers... like my sweets
K
I hope they're not done yet. They're only 6 weeks old My question was that whether I should leave the buds or pinch/cut them off. Both plants have them, and they're 6+ weeks old, now. I've read some people leave them, and others do not. I was hoping people in the group who had grown sweet or hot peppers, (in Aerogardens), would offer some sage advice. I noticed a few people with sweet and hot have left them on, and a few have pinched, but no real followup as to whether there was a detriment to leaving or an advantage to pinching other than allowing growth, but nobody really said what the outcome was on those specific plants.
K
Okay, so I pinched off all the buds I can see right now. The plants are really dense. I didn't top them, as there is already significant branching going on. I had to raise the lights again today. I guess there was a growth spurt after feeding yesterday. There are a few REALLY huge leaves on the California Wonder. Do you guys snip them?
M
Congrats on the de-budding. Even if I remember that people do that, I never have the courage or patience to try. Is it supposed to result in a higher yield?If the large leaves are at or toward the bottom, I snip. Not that I know whether it’s good for the plant, it’s just my guess that it is.
K
I guess it's mainly for the plants to mature enough, and although you are delaying a crop, it's likely better for the plants. I'm patient. Really...I am...
Day 32
UPDATE#6
Grower update
Update #6
Actions taken
PruningClipped cat-damaged leaves.
EquipmentRaised the grow lights.
These are tough babies. They've survived the cat attack, and thrived. I've been clipping damaged leaves, and there's been lots of growth and new leaves. The back side you can't really see of the California Wonder, on the left, has several huge leaves I should probably take. I've raised the lights once, so far. There are buds forming on the Tequila Sunrise, and I'd like advice as to whether I should clip off buds on these guys as they're only about 6 weeks. If yes, what age is best to allow them to start setting fruit? Let me know, please. Thanks in advance.
Conversation
S
They are looking good!
K
I noticed this evening that both plants have buds. I’m going to keep them in place. There’s been a significant growth spurt, the main stalks are thick and sturdy. I raised the lights again this evening. Tomorrow is dinner day, so if anything changes in the next several days after feeding, I’ll have time to reassess. I’ll take a pic in the morning and post it. There’s been change/growth since I posted the other day.
Day 18
UPDATE#5
Grower update
Update #5
One week later. Clearly, I need to clean the deck and the edges of the plugs. Lookin' Good! Dinner in 2 days.
Conversation
S
Don't go nuts, the calcium buildup gets real and sometimes there is no keeping up.Peppers are looking good.
K
Just a quick note to say one of my cats decided to tear off most of the large leaves and some of the new, off both plants. All this time and they never bothered them. They look so sad, but seem to want to survive, so I’m going to let them try. If not, I’ll start again. I’m so bummed. They were so lovely. Sigh...My youngest daughter leaves on the 10th for the summer, to work at a resort in Seward again this year, so I’m spending time with her.
S
I have heard about cats bothering plants. You need to put detterantw up.
Day 9
UPDATE#4
Grower update
Update #4
Here's an updated image from today, 17 days from starting seeds. They're doing well and don't seem to mind their new bunk mate, the rosemary pod
Conversation
M
Good growth. And good idea to use an empty pod to sprout the rosemary.
Day 3
UPDATE#3
Grower update
Update #3
Actions taken
PruningTopped two California Wonder seedlings.
Okay, so I topped two of the California Wonder's. It looks like there may be another Tequila Sunrise thinking about showing it's lazy face. It looks like a little green bump is peeking down there. I'll deal with him, if he does make a showing. Here's an update of both, from yesterday. I think maybe the extra boost on the Bounty lights may be the fast growth I saw yesterday. They get their next feeding in a couple days.
Conversation
S
Don't you love the look of a new and nice and clean deck LOL...
K
Right? New machine, relatively dust and chaff free...
K
I did get another Tequila Sunrise pop up, which I murdered this morning. I haven't peeked to see if seed #3 is going to germinate. Today was their 14th day, so they got their nutes and the pump changed to 60 minute intervals every 660? minutes...I think. Both plants are now getting their first true leaves!
S
How did you murder it?
K
Chopped off his little head.
M
I know, so painful. Glad it was you, not me. Made it so much easier to laugh, lol.
M
Something to behold, indeed.
K
I was pretty cold and surgical this time, now that I'm a serial baby-plant killer. I think I may need therapy
S
We have ALL been there. lol
K
John picked me up a packet of Burpee Rosemary seeds and I started a pod in the front of the Bounty for now. I may move it to the Sprout or Harvest at some point, when the peppers get larger. The Rosemary will take forever to get started anyway .
Day 2
UPDATE#2
Grower update
Update #2
So, two days later, I have all three of the California Wonder seeds germinated and sprouted, and still just the one Tequila Sunrise of three. Clearly, the germination rate of the CW is amazing.
Conversation
K
After I removed the covers yesterday morning, those starts popped over a full 1/4 inch in height by 3pm. Pretty impressive. I'm going to have to choose which California Wonder to keep pretty soon.
Day 1
UPDATE#1
Grower update
Update #1
I was surprised too! It looks like the California Wonder has at least two, and the Tequila Sunrise has one so far.
Conversation
S
There is still time for another one to grow in.
K
If I do only get one, I'll be happy if it's sturdy and healthy. Saves me from feeling guilty for murdering any.
M
I so get that!