Pepper is one of the necessary ingredients most people cannot do without when preparing dishes because of its incredible flavour. Pepper exists in different varieties. Interestingly, each variety has its unique flavour.
The types of pepper include Bell pepper, Sweet pepper, Banana pepper, Cherry pepper, Fresno pepper, Thai pepper, and many more. In this article, you will uncover how you can germinate your pepper seeds in very easy steps.
The first thing you want to do when you’ve gotten your pepper seed is to examine the seeds to separate the discoloured or damaged seed from the others.
Another thing you may want to do is to soak your pepper seed in warm water to help soften the seed shells so that germination can easily take place.
You can also put your pepper seeds directly into the soil without the ceremony of soaking first, you can try it both ways and choose whatever works perfectly for you.
Now, the best time to start planting is 6 to 10 weeks before frost, this is because pepper thrives best in warm weather. The temperature between 80 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit is usually the best. To measure the temperature of the soil, you can use a temperature controller or a heat mat.
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HOW TO GERMINATE PEPPER SEEDS
Basically, your pepper seeds will germinate 2 weeks after it is planted, depending on the type.
Determine how many seeds to use, remember that it is not all your seeds that may germinate, although if you did your sorting of seeds properly as mentioned above, you may not have difficulty determining how many seeds you want to germinate.
To plant them, you can place the seeds on the soil and gently push them down. Or you can dig holes first, and then put the seeds in.
After doing this, fill the hole back, then press gently to make sure the seed is in contact with the soil.
Related: How To Grow Bell Peppers From Scraps And Seeds
Don’t compact the soil, just press it lightly. Add water. If the soil is not wet, add water. It is best to water from the bottom so as not to disturb the seeds.
Just pour it into the tray until it is just above the drain hole, or about 1/4 of the particle height. Discard any excess water that has not been absorbed within 15 minutes.
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Place a clear plastic cover on top of the tray to help keep the soil warm and make sure it stays moist.
Place the tray in a warm place, possibly, place it on a heating pad. This will help speed up germination.
Otherwise, place it in the warmest place, or run a space heater nearby. If it is too cold, it will slow down the rate of germination, or the seed may not grow at all.
Read also: How To Harvest Carrot + Carrot Seeds
IN CONCLUSION
Germinating pepper seeds isn’t quite as difficult as people seem to think. In fact, contrary to the belief that pepper does not germinate on its own without help, It can be planted directly in the soil if you follow these simple steps.
You know your pepper seeds have germinated when you see two leaves shooting out of the soil.
Read also: Best Seed Sprouting Trays
Note that the plant requires consistent watering, however, do not overwater the soil so that it does not become soggy.
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