High-rise Gardening

[Dhiana]

I live up on the 14th floor in a big city and brought home a red pepper/paprika plant last weekend.
Potted and growing strong I just realized the flowers it will get will not receive any bees.

As a very novice gardner I don't even know if this is a requirement or will it still grow peppers
anyway?

Or will I need to do something about it myself?

Thanks,
Dhiana

[awakenedsoul]

Yes, you need bees for pollination. You can try having some potted herbs...they attract bees. Also, sunflowers really help attract the pollinators.

[cdttmm]

I live up on the 14th floor in a big city and brought home a red pepper/paprika plant last weekend.
Potted and growing strong I just realized the flowers it will get will not receive any bees.


If there are urban bees somewhere in your city, they will likely find your pepper plant! Bees will travel up to 3 miles from their hive and the 14th floor, that's nothing.

I notice you live in Japan. Not sure what city, but I have friend who keeps bees in Tokyo.

Also, keep in mind that honeybees are not the only pollinators out there -- butterflies, hummingbirds, bats, etc.

[peggy]

You can also do a little pollinating yourself with a soft paintbrush.

[iris lily]

I asked DH who has a graduate degree in vegetable production. He said this:

90% of pepper plants are self pollinating.

So, it's nothing to worry about. While setting fruit can be a problem with some veggies, the pollination issue isn't one of them.

[Dhiana]

This is all good news for me to hear!
Thank you everyone so much for your help, can't wait to see some peppers growing soon!

Dhiana