Numex Twilight Chilli

Hey,

I have been growing some Numex Twilight Chilli's since February (when they were sown).

Since then, they have been repotted and are currently about 30cm high, 20cm wide. At present all 3 are flowering.

The problem I am having is pollination. As they are inside, there are no insects to do this for me. As a result I have resorted to using a cotton bud to self-pollinate. However, so far I have had no success. Every flower has fallen off (stem included) without fruiting.

What would you recommend? I am not overwatering as the soil is medium dry, all leaves and stems are dark green and strong. Perhaps I should use a brush instead?

In addition, I read that flower drop is not unusual when the plant first begins to flower. Is this true? I don't want to put a lot of love and attention into these chilis and end up with a nice looking plant with no fruit :P

Many thanks for your replies!

 

Hi JWK, thanks for your hasty reply. Yes they are in full sunligh (about 7 hours per day) and are sat on a windowsill. I will try lightly spraying as you suggested.

Thanks!

 

Hi Jimmybob, if your chillies are sitting on the windowsill in full sunlight the flowers are frying. That's why they're just dropping off.
Move the chillies out of direct sun for a few days, give them a daily spray with water if you can, and I think you'll see the chillies forming.
You don't have to worry about pollinating them, just give the plants a little tap, they do the job themselves.