Is It Harmful to Transplant a Pepper Plant While Fruiting?

The Effects of Transplanting

• Any time you transplant a pepper plant, you disturb the roots, making it harder for the plant to take up water and nutrients until the roots become established again. Developing fruit takes a lot of energy. Transplanting a pepper plant that is bearing fruit diverts some of the energy from fruit production to root establishment. The plant lacks the energy to perform both tasks simultaneously and one or both is compromised. The result is slow, stunted growth and a potential reduction in yields.

Choosing Plants

• To prevent this problem, choose small, stocky pepper plants over larger ones. Avoid those that are already producing fruit, and remove any flowers to encourage strong root development in the early weeks after transplanting. Smaller plants become established quicker and often overtake larger ones. They might not produce fruit quite as quickly, but overall yields will probably be higher.

Proper Growing Conditions

• Peppers are grown as annuals in the United States, so you'll discard the plants after one season. If you've planted your peppers in a less than ideal place, it's probably best to leave them where they are for the current season. In the future, choose a location for peppers that gets six to eight hours of sunlight daily. Peppers need well-draining, light soil and adequate moisture. Peppers can even be grown in containers if you don't have the ideal garden spot. Choosing the right spot the first time will prevent the need for transplanting later.

Tips on Transplanting

• If you must transplant a pepper while it's producing fruit, move it on a cool, cloudy day. Plant it early in the morning or in the evening when conditions are cooler. Remove the fruit and flowers. Water the plant well after transplanting with a solution of 2 tablespoons 11-57-0 fertilizer dissolved in one gallon of water.