The intensely tasting Capsicum fruits are not for everyone. Lovers of spicy flavors appreciate the different varieties and are increasingly trying to make their own. What the seeds need to germinate are optimal conditions.
How to germinate chili seeds?
To germinate chili seeds, they need high humidity, temperatures of 25 degrees Celsius and lots of light. Plant the seeds 0.5 cm deep in nutrient-poor substrate with a neutral pH value. Coconut tablets and antibacterial herbal tea promote germination.
Which varieties are suitable
It is estimated that there are around 4,000 types of chili with individual colors, flavors and levels of spiciness. If the choice is difficult for you, choose the easy-to-propagate Capsicum annuum. Basically, you can use seeds from mature yellow, red or orange chilies from the supermarket and grow your own chilies. Green varieties are not suitable because their seeds cannot germinate.
When seeds germinate
With the right environmental conditions, the seeds open regardless of the season. They require high humidity, lots of light and temperatures of 25 degrees Celsius. Ideally, you should start sowing in the mini greenhouse (€46.00 on Amazon) at the end of December so that the plants grow vigorously until the next harvest season. April is the last month of sowing for a harvest that is scheduled to take place later that year.
How long your seeds need to germinate depends on the variety you choose and the conditions. It usually takes seven to 14 days. Sometimes the first leaves appear after three days, while some varieties require 25 days.
Sowing seeds
The seeds are stimulated to germinate by watering them beforehand. Antibacterial herbal teas ensure that the seed surface is freed from microorganisms. Since chili plants do not germinate in light but are dark germinators, the seeds should be planted about 0.5 centimeters deep in the substrate. This is ideally free of nutrient s alts and has a neutral pH value.
How to proceed:
- Soak seeds overnight in brewed and cooled chamomile tea
- Soak the coconut tablets in water and place a grain in each tablet
- sprinkle some coconut fiber over the seeds
- Keep seeds constantly moist and ventilate regularly to prevent mold
Tip
If you want to breed rare or original varieties, germination is often not reliable. Soak the chili seeds overnight in a mixture of water and a teaspoon of guano.
