|
Growing Peppers: Plant the seeds in
sterile potting mix, eight weeks prior to the last expected frost date in your area (refer to
the Hardiness Zone Chart).
Plant seeds at a depth equal to two times their diameter.
According to scientific studies, the biologically
optimum conditions for germinating pepper seeds are "day / night"
soil temperature fluctuations between
86° and 59ºF
with sixteen hours of light and eight hours of darkness. Seed
will not germinate at all from about 50ºF and colder. Germination usually occurs in
eight to eighteen days but rates
can to be erratic.
Try soaking the seed in water for
two to three hours prior to sowing for faster
germination. The most common cause of poor germination,
not including cool soil temperatures, is the result of uneven
planting depths.
Click here for
seed starting ideas.
Transplant outside only after night temperatures average
above 55°F. Peppers are tender plants that thrive in warm weather. Blossoms
will drop if temperatures drop below 60°F or if they get too much nitrogen.
Days to harvest quoted are an estimate from transplanting into the
garden.
Hot pepper and the capsaicin oil in hot pepper cannot
be neutralized by water. Wash hands or rinse mouth with
vinegar to alleviate discomfort in an emergency. Bread,
bananas, pasta, or potatoes will also alleviate the burning
sensation. Never touch your face or eyes after handling hot
peppers. (Warn growing temperatures develop the hottest
peppers).
|
Hot Pepper Seeds
Security
