The growth of chili seedlings has a significant impact on the high yield and quality of chili peppers later on. If the chili seedlings remain stunted and underdeveloped for an extended period, timely intervention is necessary. So, what should you do if your chili seedlings are not growing well? Let's learn about the solutions below.
1. Improve soil
Chili seedlings need deep, well-drained soil to grow. If the soil is too heavy or poorly drained, it will cause excessive water to accumulate in the roots, affecting the growth of the chili peppers. Soil fertility can be improved by applying water-soluble fertilizers .
2. Water Management
Within a week of transplanting chili seedlings, due to their rapid growth, it's essential to maintain a high soil moisture content. Water the soil only when it's dry to the touch, and gradually increase soil moisture as the seedlings begin to set fruit. During the rainy season, ensure proper drainage to prevent the soil from becoming too wet.
3. Topdressing
If chili seedlings are not growing well and exhibit symptoms such as wilting, leaf curling, leaf aging, and thin stems, it indicates a problem with the root system. Supplementing the soil with beneficial bacteria can activate the soil, improve the environment around the roots, stimulate root growth, enhance growth, and promote strong seedlings.
4. Sufficient sunlight
Chili seedlings need ample sunlight to grow. Insufficient sunlight will cause the chilies to grow slowly or die. Therefore, chili seedlings should be planted in a sunny location, or artificial light sources should be used to supplement their light.
5. Temperature Management
During the seedling establishment period of chili peppers, the daytime temperature should be controlled at 23-25℃ and the nighttime temperature at 18-20℃. The ventilation temperature should not exceed 28℃ to promote their growth.
6. Control of underground pests
Mole crickets, grubs , wireworms, and other underground pests not only feed on the roots of chili peppers, but their soil activity can also cause the chili seedling roots to separate from the soil, affecting nutrient absorption. The best way to prevent these underground pests is to apply toxic soil during land preparation. For example, mix 3 kg of 5% phoxim granules with 30 kg of fine soil per acre and spread it on the surface, then use a tiller to incorporate it into the soil.
