April 1, 2025 – Topping or pruning for plants such as peppers and cucumbers has been around for many years, but some aspects are seldom followed. Basically, it’s a good practice for getting more and bigger peppers.
Topping is cutting off the topmost portion of the plant not long after transplanting. This stops the plant from putting most of its energy into upward growth, and directs that energy into putting out lateral growth. The result is a bushier plant with more foliage to shade and protect fruit in high temperatures and bright sunlight.
There’s also increased protection from high winds and heavy rains. Finally, the increased shade helps prevent weeds and aids in retaining soil moisture! The ultimate result from a bushier plant is increased fruit.
Something that goes hand in hand with topping is removing the first plant flowers, the ones that show up soon after transplanting. Removing these early flowers will force the plant into producing more flowers, necessary for increasing fruit quantity.
When should pepper plants be topped? The literature suggests shortly after transplanting, but this worries me. Strictly my opinion, but I wait until the plant is 12” tall. Sharp, clean scissors are recommended, but topping can be done by pinching off the top with your fingers. The top portion itself is usually just above or may include a small cluster of newly developing leaves.
Some of you are wondering whether this practice really increases fruit production. My jalapeno jedi hybrid plants, left on their own reach 6’ in height, with some branches being 3’+ long with a handful of fruit on them. Toping them considerably increases fruit production.
Still have doubts? When you transplant your pepper plants, choose two of the same variety. Top one and leave the other alone. Now, keep track of fruit production for both plants.
