Something seems to be getting to my poblano chillis. The younger ones are fine but as they mature they start to rot from the bottom.
Any ideas what it is, and how I can prevent it?
by DTON8R
5 Comments
reeseallen
It’s literally called bottom end rot. It’s not an infection , it’s a deficiency. Supplement with calcium and magnesium, and make sure the plant is getting adequate water.
AstolfoFGC
Looks like blossom end rot. There’s a few things you can do, but first I’d analyze your care and if you need to adjust so you don’t have to rely on fertilizer first. Blossom end rot occurs when the plant can’t get enough calcium through the plant to the fruit, however this can occur if you’re waiting too long between waterings interrupting the plants ability to absorb calcium. Iowa state ext has a nice detailed explanation if you want more strategies for tackling BER. https://www.extension.iastate.edu/smallfarms/managing-blossom-end-rot-tomatoes-and-peppers
kinezumi89
To add, BER can happen with too much or too little water, not just insufficient calcium.
– Too much water means the calcium is more dilute entering the plant (insufficient)
– Too little water means not enough calcium enters the plant (still insufficient)
People like to recommend adding cal-mag, but it’s often just a watering issue!
DTON8R
Thanks everyone for the helpful replies. Something I can readily work on improving!
vXvBAKEvXv
Rarely is BER caused by actual calcium deficiency. Usually inconsistent watering, as calcium is passively uptaken with water.
5 Comments
It’s literally called bottom end rot. It’s not an infection , it’s a deficiency. Supplement with calcium and magnesium, and make sure the plant is getting adequate water.
Looks like blossom end rot. There’s a few things you can do, but first I’d analyze your care and if you need to adjust so you don’t have to rely on fertilizer first. Blossom end rot occurs when the plant can’t get enough calcium through the plant to the fruit, however this can occur if you’re waiting too long between waterings interrupting the plants ability to absorb calcium. Iowa state ext has a nice detailed explanation if you want more strategies for tackling BER. https://www.extension.iastate.edu/smallfarms/managing-blossom-end-rot-tomatoes-and-peppers
To add, BER can happen with too much or too little water, not just insufficient calcium.
– Too much water means the calcium is more dilute entering the plant (insufficient)
– Too little water means not enough calcium enters the plant (still insufficient)
People like to recommend adding cal-mag, but it’s often just a watering issue!
Thanks everyone for the helpful replies. Something I can readily work on improving!
Rarely is BER caused by actual calcium deficiency. Usually inconsistent watering, as calcium is passively uptaken with water.