On Wed, 11 Aug 2004 12:33:18 +0100, Shirl wrote:

"Tim Challenger" wrote in message
. ..
Normally they pollinate themselves quite well so don't need any help from
the gardener, I presume you are either growing them outside, or, if in a
greenhouse the door and any vents are open to allow pollinating insects
to
do their stuff.
Yes they all start off green and I've never had one go truly red outside
just a blackish tinge which precedes the red colour.

You'll be lucky to get them red before the frosts now I'm afraid. Some
sorts don't got red, of course but stay green. Whatever, you can eat them
any time, but are really ripe when the green changes a shade darker - that
deep green like the ones in the supermarket is good.

Whatever you do, pick them before any frost gets them or they'll be
ruined,
even if they're not quite ready - you can ripen them a *little* indoors on
a warm windowsill. (they *may* survive a light frost if you're lucky).
--
Tim C.

Thankyou Bob and Tim, your help was much appreciated.

I grew them from seed but unfortunatley the greenhouse was poorly sited so
they grew very slowly (as did everything else). About two weeks ago I
brought them out of the greenhouse and made a makeshift glasshouse out of
some old panes lying around. Since they went in there under full sun
they've gone mad! I'll certainly know what to do for next year!

Thanks again

They do take a long time to really start growing. Cool temps and crowded
pots slow them down a lot. If you get lucky and the fruit grow big they may
be helped by a bit of support from a small stick. Once the fruit start
developing they grow fast - like tomatoes, try not to water them
erratically as they can split or get blossom-end rot. Otherwise they're
pretty low-maintenance plants. Good luck.


--
Tim C.