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Can we have these round end shape chillies or are these infected ? Some of my chilli plants producing round shape chillies , also some gets black print on their skin , Is this normal or do i need to cure them ?
Hello @suni
Thanks for the photo — it’s really helpful. What you’re seeing on that chilli (especially the black, sunken area and the curling shape) is a sign of a problem, but the round shape itself isn’t necessarily an issue. Some chilli varieties naturally grow curled or blunt-ended fruit, especially if they're hybrids or open-pollinated types that have cross-pollinated with others nearby.
However, the black, soft-looking patch on the fruit is not normal. That kind of marking is often caused by blossom end rot or sunscald, and sometimes it can be due to fungal or bacterial infection.
Here’s what’s most likely happening:
- Blossom End Rot – This starts as a dark, soft patch on the fruit and is usually due to inconsistent watering or calcium deficiency. Even if your soil has enough calcium, if the plant dries out between waterings or the roots are stressed, it can’t absorb it properly. It’s very common in both chillies and tomatoes.
- Sunscald – This happens when fruit is exposed to intense sunlight, especially if the plant has been pruned heavily or has lost leaves due to pests or disease. The exposed side of the fruit can burn and turn soft and dark.
- Anthracnose or fruit rot – Fungal issues like these can cause soft, dark spots that grow and may sink inwards, sometimes turning the whole fruit mushy. This is more common in humid or damp conditions and if fruit sits on wet soil.
What you can do:
Remove and bin any damaged fruit (don’t compost it). – Make sure your chilli plants are watered deeply and consistently—don’t let them dry out completely between watering, but avoid soggy soil. – Add a layer of mulch around the base to help keep the soil moisture steady and avoid splashing water on the leaves and fruit. – Use a liquid fertiliser like PowerFeed with added calcium or Seasol plus Calcium, both from Bunnings, to help prevent blossom end rot. – If you suspect fungal issues, spray with Eco-Fungicide or Yates Fungus Gun (safe for edibles), especially if it’s been wet or humid.
As for the rounder-shaped chillies, you can absolutely still eat them as long as the fruit is firm, unblemished, and not affected by any rot or soft spots. Misshapen fruit is often just due to odd pollination or early environmental stress and isn’t a health concern.
If you need further assistance, please let us know.
Eric
Thanks for suggesting me , Some chilli plants are doing well but some producing spiral shapes , please find some pictures so i can care them right way .
Hello @suni
As I mentioned in my last post, the rounder-shaped chillies can still be consumed as long as the fruit is firm, unblemished, and not affected by any rot or soft spots. Misshapen fruit is often just due to odd pollination or early environmental stress and isn’t a health concern. Once the soil imbalance has been corrected and any fungal infections addressed, your chilli plant should be ok.
If you need further assistance, please let us know.
Eric
