So, I haven't posted in this thread for quite a while, but I've come down with a problem involving my hot peppers. My habaneros started out pretty strong, but lately the top leaves have been very small, kind of curled, and a bit withered-looking. The color is relatively good, but this looks like the pepper-plant analog to Witch's Broom in roses. Never seen anything like it in peppers before.
First look makes me think not enough water. What is your soil like?
Your soil looks hard and dry. Keep pouring the water to them.
My best guess is nutritional deficiency, as I am assuming you have already searched for any pests that could be causing this. I usually keep a copy of Garden’s alive catalog handy because it has pictures and a trouble shooting guide.
However, I seem to have pitched it in the spring cleaning rush. I also couldn’t find my link to an online troubleshooting site that has pictures and hints/solutions to common problems with veggie plants.
I’d probably give them a dose of nutrients that contain lots of trace elements and nutrients. I’m assuming that you have followed whatever regular fertilizing of more or less balanced N,K,P you always do, and good drainage.
I haven’t seen this in peppers either, but I seem to remember reading about it for tomatoes, but I just can’t remember for sure what the deficiency was.
I am hoping that one of the more knowledgeable gardeners/master gardeners will be able to chime in here and help.
Hot peppers crave bone meal...have they had any?