Why are my pepper plants not growing? (2024)

FAQs

Why are my pepper plants not growing? ›

Not Enough Sunlight

The roots then struggle to obtain oxygen and nutrients, thereby stunting growth. Solution: Treat your plants to a nutrient-rich, well-draining soil mix, and ensure your planters are equipped with drainage holes. Regularly check soil moisture levels and tweak your watering schedule accordingly.

Most sweet peppers mature in 60-90 days; hot peppers can take up to 150 days. Keep in mind, however, that the number of days to maturity stated on the seed packet refers to the days after transplanting until the plant produces a full-sized fruit.

Peppers really enjoy warm soil and, after transplanting, they typically take a couple weeks to settle in and grow deeper roots before taking off! We do recommend planting peppers after it has warmed up nicely, as they like warm soil and grow much faster with warm weather!

Lack of Water/Too Much Water

Make sure your newly transplanted peppers are getting enough water. Once your pepper plants have been transplanted into the garden, monitor the water carefully while they are young. Forgetting to water newly transplanted peppers is a common reason they will not grow well.

Like us, plants use calcium for growth. A lack of calcium is indicated when plants look stunted and don't grow to their full potential. Blossom end rot, which is commonly seen in squash, tomatoes, and peppers, is caused by a calcium deficiency. Feeding plants with milk ensures they will get enough moisture and calcium.

The three key nutrients you need for your pepper plants are nitrogen, phosphate, and potassium. Nitrogen is the most important element as it supports the regulation of photosynthesis, which then encourages foliage production and leafy growth.

Pepper varieties with smaller fruit, such as habaneros and jalapenos, can grow bushier and produce more branches and peppers if you “top” them after transplanting. To do this, pinch or snip away the top section of the plant, making your cut just above the second or third set of plant leaves above the base of the plant.

Plants growing in soil that is too wet suffer from a lack of oxygen which leads to the death of roots and a loss of vigor in the plant. Stunted slow growth with yellowing leaves is a symptom of over-watering.

Once established, stunting and its effects typically become permanent. Stunted children may never regain the height lost as a result of stunting, and most children will never gain the corresponding body weight.

Why is my plant not growing but not dying? ›

Fertilizer. A lack of proper nutrition may be another reason why your houseplant is not currently growing. The proper mix of fertilizer will give it the boost it needs. If you have never fertilized your plant, and have not repotted recently, your plant most likely has nutrient-deficient soil.

Many of the peppers are slow to grow while tomatoes shoot up very fast. Each growing season will be different and will present different challenges, but the final product is delicious and well worth the effort.

Of all the super hot peppers, two of our fastest growing is the Yellow Carolina Reaper and the original Red Carolina Reaper. These super hot peppers both matures starting around 90 days with the right conditions, which is faster than other super hots which can typically range from 100-120+ days to produce ripe pods.

Don't overwater your peppers! Let the soil dry out between watering. On hot days, you may need to water every day, but on cooler days you may only need to water every few days, so keep an eye on the soil. Even if the soil dries out and a pepper plant wilts a bit, it will recover quickly with a dose of water.

The Root of the Issue

Roots are the lifeline of your Jalapeño plants. If they're unhappy, you'll see it in the droop. Compromised roots can't deliver the goods—water and nutrients—leading to sad, saggy leaves. Ensuring strong roots means strong leaves.