Pepper seeds need more time, warmth and light to germinate than the seeds of other fruiting vegetables. The idea of growing peppers as soon as possible in order to have plants that flower more quickly and have pods that are ready to harvest is tempting. But does an early preculture keep what it promises?
What do I need to grow peppers on the windowsill?
To grow peppers successfully, you need seed trays, potting soil, germinable pepper seeds, a mini watering can or spray bottle and a mini greenhouse or foil. Start from the beginning of March and maintain the optimal temperature and humidity for germination.
Everything at the right time – then it works better
It's not worth it to grow your own peppers before the beginning of March. When there is a lack of brightness, the seedlings form long-stemmed, weak shoots whose cotyledons suffer from a lack of chlorophyll. That means they get horny. The following applies to the pre-culture in the room: everything at the right time!
Growing peppers at the right time offers several benefits. The plants produce flowers earlier and produce ready-to-harvest pods more quickly. The pepper seedlings are also protected from wind, weather and snail attacks.
What do you need to put on the windowsill?
- Sowing trays or growing pots
- Growing soil or substrate
- germinable pepper seeds
- Mini watering can or spray bottle
- Mini greenhouse or foil
The best start for your pepper preculture
You can use yogurt cups or pots made of peat, coconut or egg cartons. Compostable containers are particularly practical because the young plants can be planted directly later without damaging the root balls. Special sowing soil is suitable for filling the vessels. This is finer crumbly and lower in nutrients than potting soil and activates root growth.
The substrate should be moist, but not dripping wet. Sow peppers in doses by placing 1 to 3 pepper seeds in each container. Cover the seeds thinly with sifted soil and spray with warm water. To ensure the required warm, humid climate, place the seedlings in the greenhouse or covered with foil in a south-facing window. If the windowsill is cold, place a heating mat (€109.00 on Amazon) under the pre-culture. The ideal soil temperature for germination is 25° degrees. Now ventilate the pepper seedlings briefly every day to avoid mold formation. And then? Wait and drink tea;-).
What to do when the first seedlings sprout?
The germination time depends on the quality of the pepper seeds and external conditions such as light, temperature and humidity. 2 to 3 weeks later, when the first pair of cotyledons appear, remove the cover. Now it is important to keep the substrate moist without causing waterlogging. Because both waterlogging and drought are fatal for the tender seedlings. After the last night frosts you can plant the peppers in the garden. To do this, select the optimal location with sufficient planting distance in good time.
Tips & Tricks
Sort out pupils who are weak or deformed. They are not suitable for cultivation. Place powerful young plants outdoors for a few hours longer each day to harden off.
