Question
Hello Melissa,

I just read an interesting Q-A on this website about chili plants.
It磗 the second year that i磎 growing chilis. Last year I harvested some nice chilis, but unfortunately all my plant got weak and dropped their leaves somewhere in July.
My new chili plant are about 20cm high now and they are growing nicely.
I have 2 fertilizers at home now: 1 for geraniums (8-6-6) and pink little ball fertilizer for fruit and veg (16-9-20). Is one of these suitable for my (still healthy) chili plants?

Thank you for your answer.


Have a great day,


Martina

Answer
Dear Martina, Sorry for this late reply, but I had a short vacation this week.  For chili peppers, and with other peppers, the best fertilizer would be one that is in a 1-2-2 ratio.  For example, a fertilizer that is 5-10-10 would be best.  The first number is nitrogen which will make the plant grow, but not the fruit.  The second number - phosphorus is good for the fruit production.  The third number - potassium helps with good fruit development and general plant regulation.  Anyway, the general rule for fertilizing peppers (and tomatoes) is to apply fertilizer when the plant first blooms, and then the second application when the plant first sets fruit (peppers).  After that you can apply some every few weeks or so as long as the plant keeps making more peppers.  The other fertilizers you mention are too high in nitrogen for good peppers.  I hope this information helps, but be sure to write back if you have more questions.  Good luck, Melissa