Whether you are looking to grow sweet peppers, ornamental peppers, or the hottest pepper in the world, growing the pepper plant from seed can be very rewarding. Basically, you plant the seed, and then it takes off! As fun as it is to grow peppers from seeds, don't underestimate the effort needed to transform a tiny seed into a prolific plant full of fresh peppers.
Successfully growing pepper plants take attention and patience, and it all starts with germination. Luckily, pepper germination all happens indoors in a controllable environment and it can be done in just 5 steps. See our video and steps below for how to germinate any kind of pepper seed. Read on below the five stages of germination for any kind of pepper.
The germination process is when a seed grows into a plant. Starting the pepper germination can be fun, but keep in mind that it's best to start when the climate gets warmer. A warmer climate helps the pepper plant perform its best and once you start the process of germination, you won't be able to wait around for warmer weather. Another thing to remember is that the seeds will germinate under the right conditions, so it's crucial that you remain consistent when maintaining temperature levels and moisture levels in the soil. Mix that with a heavy dose of patience, and you will experience the joy of seeing seedlings sprout.
The best time to start germinating plants indoors is about four weeks before the last frost date. Of course, the time frame is all dependent on which planting zone you are in, so make sure to track the last frost date in your area.
Before you start germinating your choice of seed mix, read this checklist to make sure you have everything you need:
When you have everything together, it's now time to start the germination process!
Want to use the same pepper germination and growing equipment that we use? Check out our selection of pepper growing supplies including temperature controllers, seed trays and heat mats, and grow lights. You can purchase them individually or save by getting our complete indoor grow kit. We also have a selection of quality pepper seed fertilizers.
Interested in growing some of the most unique pepper seeds on the planet? Check out our variety of pepper seeds, and new pepper seeds for 2020 that we launched recently!
I have just recently started growing hot peppers in the last 3 years and love it. I order all my seeds from pepper Joe’s they are a great company. I have tried the paper towel method and failed miserably. Had to reorder seeds no big deal. I have found that just planting the in potting soil on a heat mat in a warm room yields me 99% germination on seeds. I’m good with that. Thanks pepper Joe for the great customer service you provide and to all chilli heads eat a reaper a day to keep the doctor away.
Kolby
March 04, 2020
Hello :) Thank you for the easy tips on this germination process. This year, I am trying to grow some of my own peppers from last year and I’m really excited. I am trying this method and wanted to ask if it is common that humidity gathers on the plastic cover? Is that okay…or should I be worried about mold? Thank you, Pepper Joe!