Shohin Chilli Bonsai

Hi
I wanted to know if it is possible to make a shohin bonsai with a regular chilli tree?
If so how big does the plant have to be before I start?

Thanks!

Chili TREE?

For instance?

A tree like this one:

Hi,

I had always thought that the plants of genus Capsicum were annual plants.

But maybe I'm wrong and in milder climates than mine perhaps they can last for years.

That's right by Alain..I never see all the year the chilli long live.

In milder climates or when raised indoors under lights, Capsicum can be no longer just an annual. Please see this link for a fellow in Finland who has extensive experience with chili bonsai. http://fatalii.net/growing/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=95&Itemid=105

I'm always happy to learn (and see) something new! Thanks all!

Interesting.

Not sure they can live very long in a pot. In places where they can grow all year-round like "la Réunion", in the Indian ocean, I read that some species are cultivated over a period of three years. If they could stay in the ground for four, and they replant new ones after the third year, there must be some reason I guess...

G'day hobo...

Not the best thing around for bonsai, however...to address your questions...the answers are YES, and get the biggest trunk you can get.

I know a guy in Tucson, Arizona, USA (desert area) had one going 4-5 years when he lost his entire collection to vanalism. He dropped out for a few years, then restarted (2009). His choice for his first species to restart with...a pepper.

It could be fun...and not costly if you loose it.

Pat…mounted on my trusty stead, riding off wildly in all directions…

So what should I use to make a small shohin bonsai first?
And how do I get the plant I am using to develop a thick trunk?

Well Hobo...

I have no experience with peppers...beyond cooking and eating them...by the way...I'm having Roasted Red Pepper Tomato soup for dinner tonight! Great stuff!!

Here is a link that has information on Pepper Bonsai...may be of help: http://www.fatalii.net/growing/index.php

Suoprpising sometime what a little Googling will get you...

Good luck with your peppers...

Pat…mounted on my trusty stead, riding off wildly in all directions…