Growing Candy Cane Capsicums - A Fun & Unique Variegated Capsicum Plant with Beautiful Fruit & Color Variation
Candy Cane Capsicums are a variegated Capsicum plant that is quite popular in Australia. Last year, the flowers of the plant were glued shut to save seeds for the F2 generation. This year, two plants were grown from those saved seeds and the F2 variegation was more prevalent on one of them. The fruit also exhibited more of the white/cream of the variegated fruit. Taste wise, they are a nice capsicum with a good flavor.
The method of gluing flowers shut to save seeds is an interesting one, and it requires a Non Toxic PVA Glue Made in China, such as Elmers School Glue. After harvesting the Candy Cane fruits, some were frozen for later use while others were given to a Worm Farm as a favorite treat.
Craig has been playing with F2 and beyond from this variety for a few years and eventually ended up with variegated plants of two different colors - scarlet red, and orange - when fully ripe - and variable levels of variegation. The plants are pretty, with smallish fruit that tastes OK. He even suggested crossing with a bell type to get variegated, striped (when unripe) bells.
Overall, Candy Cane Capsicums are an interesting variety that can be used for various projects. They have beautiful variegation and produce tasty fruit. With careful cultivation, they can be grown to produce different colors at maturity. They are also a great addition to any worm farm, as the worms love them.
In conclusion, Candy Cane Capsicums are an interesting variety of Capsicum that can be used for various projects. They have beautiful variegation and produce tasty fruit. With careful cultivation, they can be grown to produce different colors at maturity. They are also a great addition to any worm farm, as the worms love them. For those looking for something unique and fun to grow, Candy Cane Capsicums are definitely worth considering.
What kind of glue do you use to glue flowers shut?
I've tried many varieties over the years, but most are too toxic and burn the flowers. The one I found useful is Elmers School Glue, a PVA Glue Made in China. It's available just about everywhere here in Australia. Ideally look for one that claims it to be Non Toxic.
How did you save seeds from the most variegated plants?
Last year I glued several flowers shut on our plant and this year we're growing two plants from the saved seeds. The F2 variegation is more prevalent on one plant along with the fruit exhibiting more of the white/cream of the variegated fruit.
What is the difference between F1 and F2 Candy Cane Capsicums?
Candy Cane Capsicums were released here in Australia as a variegated Capsicum - an F1 plant that is quite popular. The F2 variegation is more prevalent on one plant along with the fruit exhibiting more of the white/cream of the variegated fruit. Taste wise they are a nice capsicum, so I'm assuming the taste will stay as is, but it doesn't matter all that much. In the photos you can see the difference between the two plants, the fruit is definitely different, so another year and they will or will not get the chance to show their colors.
Is there any way to get a big striped bell from seeds?
Craig has been playing with F2 and beyond from this for a few years and eventually ended up with variegated plants of two different colors - scarlet red, and orange - when fully ripe - and variable levels of variegation. He suggests crossing with a bell type to get variegated, striped (when unripe) bells, although it's not in his immediate plans.
Do all peppers have to turn red at maturity?
No, some peppers may turn orange at maturity instead of red. Craig wonders why the whole pepper has to turn red at maturity, suggesting that white stripes would lack pigment and just turn a darker yellow, if anything, still showing contrast.
What is the best way to get a good yield from F2 Candy Cane Capsicums?
The best way to get a good yield from F2 Candy Cane Capsicums is to give them plenty of sunlight and water. Make sure they are planted in well-draining soil and fertilize them with a balanced fertilizer every few weeks. Prune off any dead or diseased leaves and stems, and pinch off any flowers that appear before the plant is established. Also, make sure to harvest the peppers when they are ripe for the best flavor.