Jalapeno plant growth stunted, leaves curled

Question

I live in Maryland and have two jalapeño plants that don’t seem to be growing. I planted them about 2 months ago. Not only has their growth stunted, but the leaves are curled. They get at least 8 hours of sun, and I believe I’m watering them properly. My other pepper plants (purple peppers and ancho) are huge and producing peppers. I do have a weed problem that I try to keep up with but we all know how that goes. Haha.

I have attached a photo of the plant and a photo of the underneath of one of the leaves (a leaf that has not curled yet). I’m wondering if it’s aphids. I don’t see any little bugs though.

Also, there are bumps where new stems would/should be growing. I wonder if something has eaten them or if this is a result of a growth problem.

Thanks in advance for your help and advice.

The photos aren’t great. Sorry about that.

Answer 1

We did not receive the image, but your description of your plant sure helps.

This is most likely a pest issue and Aphids are often the cause, though there can be other pests.

Spray the plants with Neem Oil. Neem Oil is organic, safe for people, pets and bees. It will help with most sucking insects and even works as a fungicide.

Here are some links with more information.

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/pesticides/neem-oil-uses.htm

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/vegetables/pepper/common-pepper-plant-problems.htm