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Post by tbird on May 19, 2015 11:36:38 GMT -5
anyone do this? "COLD TREATMENT: Exposing the seedlings to controlled cold treatments can increase the number of flowers and fruits. When the third true leaf appears, grow the plants at a minimum night temp. of 53-55°F (12-13°C) for 4 weeks. The plants should receive full sunlight. After 4 weeks adjust temp. to 70°F (21°C) day and night. If this technique is used, peppers should be seeded 1-2 weeks earlier than usual." www.johnnyseeds.com/p-6894-hungarian-hot-wax.aspx
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Post by Mumsey on May 19, 2015 12:19:21 GMT -5
Too much work for me! From the house to the garden they go with their milk jugs. I'm thinking they get those cooler temps at night and sun all day, the milk jugs boost the heat during the day. Never a shortage of peppers here, but I plant too many anyway.
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Post by tbird on May 19, 2015 12:41:18 GMT -5
I agree on a lot of work to do this artificially, but may be a benefit to putting peppers out during an earlier warm spell, then a natural cold treatment can occur?
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Post by Mumsey on May 19, 2015 12:50:45 GMT -5
Well we certainly do have cooler weather after I put them out it seems. Maybe I have been doing this all along and didn't even know it, only difference is I put them in the ground!
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Post by tbird on May 19, 2015 13:16:57 GMT -5
I put my purchased starts out his weekend, very warm temps. Now - it is cooler for a few days....it isn't a few weeks.
Looking at the 10 day forecast, a stretch of about 5 days of really cooler temps, and going a bit below the cooling treatment guidelines., although in a relatively protected area so maybe - about on target.
I know that peppers are tender perennials, so maybe the do more fruiting if they think they've had a 'winter'?
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Post by tbird on May 19, 2015 13:18:03 GMT -5
anyhoo - now I'm not so concerned about the recent downturn in temps for them.... And - excellent for the lettuce, beets, etc. too.
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Post by Mumsey on May 19, 2015 18:46:21 GMT -5
As long as there is no frost, peppers will be OK. They just won't grow til it warms up.
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Post by lilolpeapicker on May 19, 2015 19:44:43 GMT -5
I will still keep the milk jugs over them to help retain a little extra heat...and keep any critters away
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Post by desertwoman on May 19, 2015 19:50:20 GMT -5
I've never done it either.
I just move the seedlings out during the days and in at night during early May. Last night was their first all nighter at a low of 43 . I'll be keeping an eye on the temps and will probably have to haul them in a couple more times before they go into the garden. This year, especially, could bring us a late frost. I can (((feel))) it.
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Post by lilolpeapicker on May 19, 2015 20:13:45 GMT -5
Yes...I know what u mean....it has been warmer here but with the cold we have had here, I just don't trust Mother Nature this year!
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Post by pepperhead212 on May 19, 2015 23:14:18 GMT -5
Not something I would bother with, either. Sounds more like something a commercial producer would play around with, to get more yield - I always have more than I can use as it is! LOL
I just saw a 47º low in the 7 day forecast (Thurs. night, I think?), and I couldn't believe it! I planted my peppers the same week I did my toms - a two weeks ago - and originally had taken this week off to plant them, but it was so hot, I planted them then! And now this...
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Post by tbird on May 20, 2015 9:15:02 GMT -5
wunderground says we got down to 40 last night....peppers are looking ok (peeking out the window, with my hot coffee mug clutched!).
I have been refusing to turn the heat on after using the air con a few days ago, but might have to change my tune. Not even breaking 50 today for the high....
but yes - I am clutching the hot coffee!
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Post by lilolpeapicker on May 20, 2015 10:06:03 GMT -5
We are a little cooler today and the next few days including the chance for frost Thursday night into Friday mornings, expected to be in the 30's and according to the zonal maps last average frost date is today. I am glad the toms and peppers are covered.
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