Growing your own hot peppers from seed can be very rewarding. The selection of hot peppers available at the supermarket is very poor. Although the selection of plants from a nursery or store is a little better, when you start from seeds, there is a terrific variety available. And as hot pepper popularity is growing constantly, the varieties just keep expanding. One catalog, Pepper Gal boasts over 200 varieties! So for starters, pick out your selections.
I LOVE this part. It's a blast in the dead of winter to plan out your garden, ordering tried and true seeds. But we're all addicted to trying out new, different and exciting variations. I'll give you some input to fit your different needs and preferences in a just a little bit.
MAKING THE PROCESS EASY:
If you live in a year-round warm climate, such as southern Florida, you
can direct-sow your seeds into your garden. If you have a greenhouse,
good for you!
The majority of my customers don't fit into these two categories, so I'll tailor this article towards them, although the same basics apply. I prefer a plain and simple approach that gets results. The 2 main ingredients are soil/seedling mix and containers/trays.
Soil: There are many good seed starting mixes available at nurseries or discount stores. They work very well and I would recommend them as there is no mixing, measuring, etc. If you prefer to make your own mixture, go with 1/3 good garden soil (don't go with clay soil as it compacts badly), 1/3 vermiculite or similar growing medium, and 1/3 sand. Hot pepper plants LOVE sand as many varieties originate in areas with sandy soil. Also it provides excellent drainage. Mix all 3 ingredients together very well.
Containers: I like plastic gro-packs for 6 to 12 plants, peat pellets or peat pots. Gro packs are especially good because you can cover tightly with "cling-wrap" after first watering and create a little "hothouse" environment. The soil stays moist longer at a higher temperature. Just remove cling-wrap when seedlings emerge. Put your soil/seedling mix into containers. Don't fill to exact top but leave at least 1/4 inch for watering or it will run off.
LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION:
Find a good and warm sunny windowsill. Seedlings prefer at least 6 hours
of sunlight, the more the better. Hot pepper seeds need to be coaxed
through the germination and transplant stages. Remember they all
originated from a tropical environment. But keep in mind you'll be
rewarded with a healthy, robust, prolific plant for your patience.
Some varieties can be finicky to germinate. I recommend soaking seeds overnight in warm water to give them a head start. I am a 100% organic
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