Maximising Capsicum Production

As cooler weather approaches, this is the perfect time of year to bring some of those heat-loving peppers inside your Winter Gardenz greenhouse to continue producing throughout the winter.  Today we're talking specifically about capsicums and increasing yield through pruning.

If you want to increase the yield of your capsicum (bell pepper) plants, you should consider pruning. Pruning capsicum plants will stimulate new growth and increase the number of fruits that they produce. Here is a quick guide on how to properly prune capsicum plants to get the most out of your harvest.

Start by identifying the stems that produce the most fruit. These are usually the main stems that have several branches growing from them. You want to keep these stems intact and only remove the smaller, less productive ones. Make sure that you only prune stems that are at least 1/4 inch thick to avoid damaging the plant and to maintain a steady water supply to the plant.

Next, look for branches that are growing too close to the ground. These branches tend to produce smaller fruits that are not as healthy as those growing higher up. Remove them carefully to prevent the plant from losing too much energy.

You can also prune off any dead or diseased branches. These can spread diseases to healthy parts of the plant and reduce the yield of the plant.

Finally, if you notice that the plant is producing fewer and fewer fruits, you may want to consider pruning back the entire plant. You should only do this if the plant is overgrown and has become unproductive. Use a sharp pair of pruning shears and cut the plant back to about half its height. This will stimulate new growth and encourage the plant to produce more fruits.

Remember to be careful when pruning your capsicum plants. Don't remove too much growth, as this can lead to stunted growth or even death of the plant. With the right care and attention, you can ensure that your capsicum plants produce a bountiful harvest.