Tree chilis (bot Capsicum pebescens) can grow quite large in contrast to other chili plants. They reach a height of up to four meters. As a container plant it is no longer easy to manage. Pruning can be very helpful.
When and how should I cut my tree chili?
You can ideally prune your chili trees in February to encourage a bountiful harvest. Pruning is not absolutely necessary, but will help with growth management and fruiting. Make sure you have sharp scissors and a clean cut.
When can I cut back my tree chili?
Since the tree chilies are not hardy, suitable winter quarters may be difficult to find. Pruning can be helpful here. However, it makes more sense to cut the plant back in the spring after overwintering, ideally in February. Then it sprouts abundantly at the beginning of the vegetation phase and can produce a good harvest.
If your chili tree has grown a lot in the summer so that you can't find a suitable winter quarters for the plant, then you can of course cut it back in the fall. Give the plant a nice shape and adjust the size to your needs. Tree chillies are generally relatively easy to cut.
Regular pruning is not absolutely necessary for chili trees, but it can help to produce a better harvest. If the crown of the chili tree is too dense, the plant often produces fewer of the tasty, spicy fruits. In this case, thin out the crown a little by cutting back some of the branches.
What should I pay attention to when cutting?
So that your tree chili survives the pruning well, you should definitely use clean and sharp tools (€14.00 on Amazon). It is best to cut branches close to the trunk or branch so that no long ends remain. Such places are good entry points for diseases or pests.
The most important things in brief:
- Pruning is possible, but not absolutely necessary
- best time: February, before new growth
- Pruning promotes fruit formation and a rich harvest
- If the crown is too dense, thin it out a little
Tip
If your chili tree only bears a small amount of fruit despite good care, then take a careful look at the crown. If it is very dense, thin it out a little.
