How to Trim a Chili Pepper Bush

When you trim a chili pepper bush, you enable the bush to create stronger plant parts that put more energy toward producing healthier peppers. Pruning the pepper bush can be done anytime during the growing season. Chili plants, in particular, benefit from strategic cuts that encourage the growth that supports a lot of fruit. Use your gardening shears to successfully prune your pepper plant and enjoy a bountiful harvest.

Gardening gloves
Pruning shears

Instructions

- 1
  Inspect your chili pepper bush for damaged leaves, which includes foliage with excessive insect activity and leaves that are yellowing or spotting. Hold the leaf you are cutting and use your pruning shears to cut off the foliage near the main stem. These plant parts do not serve the chili bush and instead suck away vital nutrients that would go to the peppers.
- 2
  Create a better airflow for the plant by pruning away a third of the side shoots that grow away from the main stem. Use a zigzag pattern to cut away every third branch.
- 3
  Reduce the height of the bush by cutting away the top branch tips. Chili plant branches grow in a "Y" form so prune away each side of the "Y" until you get the length you prefer.
- 4
  Prune away any branches that do not conform to the bush shape you want. Continue to perform these cuts until you achieve the form you desire.

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