Preparing Your Seeds

Chilli seeds can be quite tricky to germinate, however there are a few simple tricks to get your chillies seeds started. Chillies have evolved over time to use birds to spread their seeds. Birds don’t feel the heat. They eat the chillies and the seeds pass through the birds digestive system. The seed has survived its journey and grows into a new plant. The birds digestives system softens the seeds to allow them to grow.  We need to replicate this process. Now, if you don’t have any agreeable birds handy, go and make a cup of tea. Save the teabag and while you are enjoying your tea, make another tea with the used tea bag.

No milk or sugar…

 Let your tea cool, and soak your seeds in the weak tea solution for 12 to 24 hours.

Your seeds are now ready to be planted.

Germinating Your Seeds

This part needs your careful attention, as without germination, you will have no chillies…

There are a few ways to germinate your seeds and everyone will tell you their method is the best… The choice is really down to what works for you. The traditional way is to use a good quality seed compost with seeds trays or other small plant pots. Make a small hole with a pencil to about 5mm deep. Pop your seed in the hole and cover gently. Put a few seeds in your pot or seed tray to increase your chances of success. Don’t forget to correctly label your seeds.

Another method, which I use. Is the paper towel method. Take 1 piece of kitchen towel and fold it in half 3 times, so it is about 8cm by 14cm (roughly). Moisten the towel so it is wet but not dripping. Place you seeds on one side of the towel and fold in half again, so the seeds are completely covered. Now place the paper towel inside a clear plastic bag, a small food bag works, remove the air and seal the bag. Label the the bag with chilli type and date.

I use this method for one very simple reason, space. As you will read in a moment you will need to keep your seeds warm. I can germinate 100’s of seeds in a very small space and only once the seeds have germinated transfer them to the seed compost.

This next bit is VERY IMPORTANT!

Chilli seeds do not need light to germinate, but they do need heat. Optimum temperature to germinate your seeds is 25’c to 29’c. They will germinate at a slightly lower temperature, but will take longer and you will have less success. A heat mat, heated propagator or warm airing cupboard will be ideal.

If you are using the paper towel method, place your bags in a small plastic box to keep them away from direct contact with the heat source i.e., heatmap. Check the seeds daily as when they start to germinate they will grow quickly. The longer the tap root becomes the more fragile the seed becomes. When the seeds start to germinate you can transfer it to a small pot or I use a peat free Jiffy plug. Make a small hole in your growing media that is deep enough for the tap root and will still give your seed 5mm soil cover. Delicately with a pair of tweezers move your seed to its new home, TAP ROOT DOWN. Remember, if you damage the tap root, it's game over. I have one 1000’s of seeds this way and it is my preferred option. However, the choice is yours.

If you have planted your seeds directly into compost, remember to keep your seed compost moist at all times. The seeds must not dry out, try not to over water. Your seeds should take around 10 to 12 days to germinate, but it is not uncommon to take up to 3 weeks, so please be patient.