A Gardeners Forum Forums Gardening Reference Gardening in 2005 hot pepper questions

HI,
I've been growing several types of hot peppers in big pots this summer here in lower Delaware and they seem as some are taking awfully long to mature. The jalapenos haven't been getting any bigger recently but a sacrificial one a few days ago didn't seem ripe. The cayennes are also still green but grew later so I'm not worried yet and I know that they should go red sooner or later.
I've previously grown habaneros and just picked them as they turned colors depending on the flavor I wanted.
The jals are beginning to develop cracks in the skins. Am I overwatering? Is it time? Other than color is there a good way to tell? I don't think I've ever seen a red or yellow jalapeno though I'd think they will change also.
Similar situation with some grape tomatoes. They've been looking full sized but still green for a while. I've more time off this summer than most summers, maybe am I just noticing their development more?
Thanks
Drew

I believe that jalepenos stay green, just get darker. Don't know about the rest since, I too am just starting with growing peppers.

Drew,
As far as any Jalapeno I've grown,
when they get those cracks
or brown woody lookin' stripes on them, they are way ready to pick...

I can't remember seeing any red or yellow Jalap's..
Red tinged maybe......

Some of the cherry/grape sized tomatoes stay
a greenish color...
I am not sure, but could be a stress issue, watering, sunshine, watering, or just the breed/brand etc.

Yes, cracking indicates maturity, but if you leave jalapenos on the plant they will eventually turn red and crack some more.

okay thanks,
the jals are beginning to fall off if you look at them cross-eyed, and the cayeennes I think ar almost there now too. Will peppers still ripen off the plant?
Tomatoes are finally turning, I think I may have been overwatering a little and the pot is getting a little small for the size of the plant; the pot is not shrinking, the tomatoes are really growing in this heat.
Drew

I think too, that if you take one of the peppers
in your hand, pull up on it, it should snap
right off, no tugging or resistance..
and they're ready...

thanks weezie!
the peps are going well, I'm storing some jals in oil to spice it up and cook with as we type. Cayennes are beginning to turn colors so I'm hopeful on those also. Do you think the cayennes I already picked will turn red off the plant?
I have a couple of mystery peppers (I forgot what they are) that have yet to bear but am also confident that they are doing well.
Thanks for all your advice,
Drew

Be careful harvesting the peppers. I really wouldn't hand-pick them because it's very easy to damage the plant. Instead, use scissors or small pruners to cut the peppers off the plants.

Julianna