Hardly any other cultivated plant is available in such a variety of shapes, sizes and, of course, levels of spiciness as peppers and chili peppers. Whether you prefer the cool crack of a sweet pepper or the fiery taste of a chili pepper, there is nothing better than home-grown vegetables. Now it's time to start sowing. Read on for instructions on how to sow peppers!
Use fresh seeds
Generally, pepper seeds are viable for 2-5 years. The older the seeds get, the less likely they are to germinate. Store the seeds in a cool, dark and dry environment. Naturallywe plantAlways use old seeds (a few years old) because they can still germinate. Just be aware that the germination rate will be lower in this case.
How do you store the seeds?
To germinate the pepper seeds, keep them evenly warm and moist, 26-32˚C is ideal for successful germination. Use a seedling heat mat to increase the temperature and do not attempt to germinate peppers in a cold room or greenhouse as temperatures may drop. Once the seedlings have germinated, you should thin them out so they don't crowd each other; one plant per pot is good.
When to sow peppers?
Begin growing peppers from seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost. Peppers like warm weather, so it is important to keep them indoors until the temperature has risen to around 15-21°C at night. Note that peppers are very sensitive to frost and will wilt at temperatures below 10 degrees or in cold soil.
Do not overwater pepper seedlings
When sowing peppers, this is a common mistake made by many gardeners, experienced or not. We tend to overwater seedlings – and peppers hate wet, soggy roots. So be sure to clean the soil between wateringof your pepper plantsto let dry. Be sure to use a well-draining potting mix in pots with adequate drainage. If you see yellow leaves on your plants and they start to droop, it is often a sign that the soil is too wet.
How do you stimulate the seedlings to grow?
After germination, you can encourage your seedlings to grow more vigorously by simply brushing them with your hands daily or setting up a fan to blow a gentle breeze on them for a few hours a day. This not only makes the seedlings stronger, but also prevents them from wilting and dying.
Hardening off pepper seedlings
Harden off pepper plants before planting them outdoors. This means that if you have planted the seedlings indoors, you should move them outdoors for a few hours a day over a period of a week (or 10 days), eventually leaving them overnight full-time. This will acclimate them to the outdoor weather, sun, wind, etc., so they won't go into shock when transplanted into the garden or into an outdoor container. Be sure to,that the pepper plantsGet full sun, preferably at least 6-8 hours of sunlight.
Do not over-fertilize with nitrogen
Pepper plants are light consumers, but benefit from regular application of a balanced, organic fertilizer or compost tea. Homemade compost is also highly recommended if you want to enrich the soil in your garden with natural nutrients every year. Avoid fertilizers high in nitrogen. They provide lush foliage but few peppers.
Pinch off the first pepper blossoms
Pinch off your plants' first flowers to encourage them to put their energy into growing stronger roots and foils so you'll have more peppers later.
Why You Should Plant Flowers Near Peppers?
Pollination is the key to successful cultivation.Paprika canAlthough pollinating with the wind itself, pollinators can really help finish things off. Invite bees and attract beneficial insects by growing lots of native plants and flowers in your garden. Do not use pesticides! Make sure pepper plants are grown in a location with good air circulation and appropriate spacing.
