Question
why are some of my hot peppers are not hot ??? im growing cherry peppers

Answer
It could be one of several factors. If the plants are receiving too much water, this will adversely affect hot peppers. Never water more than 1" per week.

Hot pepper plants like dry, acidic soils. If the soil is too alkaline, you can add sulfur to raise the acidity. You can conduct a ph test on your soil with a ph kit available at most garden centers. Although the ideal ph level for most vegetables is 7.0 or neutral, hot peppers prefer a more acidic level of 6.0.

Another possibility is that your soil is lacking in potassium carbonate. Potassium is the third number of the NPK ratio on the packaging of fertilizers. Peppers need a high concentration of both phosphorus (2nd number) for blooming and potassium for taste. You can purchase fertilizers specifically made for peppers either on-line or at your local nursery.

Finally, you may be picking them too soon. Hot peppers should start changing colors before picking. The longer they are left on the plant, the more the SHU (Scoville heat units) intensify.

One trick some old time gardeners use is to prune off some of the outside leaves. This supposedly triggers the plant's defense mechanism to increase the heat levels, which in turn deters animals from nipping the leaves.

I hope this information helps. Please write again if I can ever provide assistance.

Regards,

Mike