Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

Ive got 2 nice looking bell pepper plants.

Theyre on 24/7 lighting with some cheap-o fluorescents. '

Ive got a ton of buds/flowers but im noticing that after they flower, the flowers fall off.

Is this SOP for bell peppers? Ive read that they are self pollinating so I have not hand pollinated.

Im worried that im missing out on something and going to lose the delicious fruit of the bell pepper plants.

Thanks in advance

Sudo

Without pics it makes it much harder to offer a possible diagnosis or solution.

Your lights do not need to be on 24/7... in fact the plants need a dark period every day. 14-16hrs of light per day would be fine.

Your choice of lighting may also be a contributing factor, they aren't strong enough. I have grown a Capsicum (Bell Pepper) under a 130w Compact Fluoro in a grow chamber about 600mm square, the plant filled the chamber and flowered prolifically, but in the end produced only one capsicum. At the same time I grew two Capsicum plants from the same batch of seedlings under a 400w HPS light and the plants produced plenty of Capsicums, in fact dozens on each plant. I will try and find the pics when I get to work.

Also, low Magnesium or Potassium can limit fruit set, as can excessive Nitrogen. If you aren't already, I would add some Maxicrop seaweed extract. Here in Aust we use Seasol at about 30-45ml per 1000L of water every week or two. This will provide trace elements and some Potassium.

I have not had any luck with bell peppers in my ap system. The ones in dirt do great, not sure why.

You adding Seasol as Mr D indicated above, Helo ? Low Magnesium or Potassium is not an uncommon problem in AP.

No, never added anything to the ap system. Everything else does fine, except peppers, and watermelons.

My peppers go gangbusters. Probably my second most successful plant after chard. I hand pollinate, though I notice jalapeños have no problem self pollinating even in this winter cold.

Pics attached.

Are you adding the seaweed extract? Is hand pollinating necessary? Any tips on that front or in general for producing bell peppers?

forgotten pic

It is a good idea to take a Sonicare toothbrush to your blossoms periodically regardless if it is indoors or out. I could just be superstitious though...

As for seaweed extract, early on I added some, but now my system can basically run itself.

Alas, I dont have a sonicare toothbrush. Any other suggestions? I know that those Japanese pear growers have to pollinate with a q-tip.

Should I just give it a good shake lol.

That will work.

I flick the flowers by hand or use the q-tip method. I definately see a difference when I use liquid seaweed.

So im clear... Take 1 Q-Tip and touch every flower from both plants (?)

thanks so much in advance