Germinating Pepper Seeds: 3 Tricks to Get Them to Sprout

Every time I start peppers from seed, I’m reminded of just how fussy chilies can be. I’d love to say that you can just plant seeds and reliably grow pepper plants, but that’s not always the case. Fortunately, ​you can use different techniques that make germinating pepper seeds much easier.

One of the challenges is that the pepper seed germination time is tricky. Why? Varieties in the Capsicum chinense family, such as 7-Pot Trinidad and Fatalii, are notoriously hard to start. Seed age is another factor.

If growing peppers from seed in a mix isn’t working, this article guides you through more germination methods. I use these techniques if I get a late start on the growing season and when I need to speed up the pepper seed germination time of those slower chili varieties. 

Let’s get started!

​Inspecting Your Seeds

A seed packet usually has ten or more pepper seeds inside. Inspect them all, and don’t plant seeds that are discolored or smaller than the rest.

Before you continue, be sure to plant pepper seeds at the right time. Start by using our tool for when to start pepper seeds indoors to get the dates for your location.

No matter the germination method you choose, I recommend first inspecting and soaking your seeds for the best results. ​

Soften the Seed Shell

​One of the best things you can when starting seeds is to soak them before planting. Chamomile tea is a common option.

​Soaking weakens the shell (seed coat) so that the seedlings don’t have to work so hard to break through the barrier.

Besides weakening the shell barrier, soaking your seeds in a weak chamomile tea solution also kills off mold spores and other fungal issues that may be present.

​Make the Weak Tea Solution

1. Brew a cup of chamomile and drink it.
2. Use the same tea bag to make another cup of tea.
3. Use that batch to soak your seeds.​
4. Allow your seeds to soak for 24 to 48 hours before planting.

The Bag Method (Seed Viability Test)

You can create an effective germination environment for your chile seeds by using the bag method (paper towel method) that includes a towel, ziplock bag, or coffee filter and water. This method also tests for viable seeds, which are living seeds that can grow.

This bag method is ideal for difficult varieties (like hot pepper seeds) that have problems sprouting using the traditional seed starting mix. Some peppers also germinate faster in the bag.

» Related: How to Test Pepper Seed Viability So You Don’t Waste Your Time

1. Fold a paper towel or coffee filter in quarters and then spray it with water until is damp.
2. Place your pepper seeds in between the fold.
3. Position your towel and chili seeds in the ziplock bag. Seal it up.
4. Place your bag on top of a warm spot, such as a plant heat mat, to achieve the right pepper seed germination temperature of 80° to 90° Fahrenheit (27° to 32° Celsius).
5. ​Spray your towel and seeds each day so they absorb water and stay damp.
6. Check for sprouting seeds. When they germinate, bury them under a light layer of sterile seed starter mix in a seed tray (germination tray). (You won’t need potting soil until transferring your pepper plant to a larger container.)

If you use a paper towel, cut the portion of the towel that has the germinated seedling. You can tear the root if you pull the seedling by hand.

You shouldn’t have to do this with the coffee filter.

» Related: Growing Peppers from Seed

​The Cup Method

A lidded, gelatin cup (around 2 ounces) creates another ideal setting for pepper germination.

(If you prefer to shop in-store, you can usually find them at a party supply or grocery.)

1. Dampen a small piece of paper towel and stick it at the bottom of the cup.​
2. Place your seeds on top of the towel and put the lid on.
3. Leave the cup on a seedling heat mat, ideally between 80 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit, and dampen the towel each day to keep the environment moist.

The Freezer Method

Using a freezer helps mimic the winter conditions your seeds naturally go through outdoors.

​(​Alternately, you can use your refrigerator. I encourage you to experiment to see what works best!)

1. Place your pepper seeds in the​ freezer or refrigerator for two days.
2. Remove the seeds and position them in a folded-up paper towel.
3. Dampen the towel with water.
4. Place the towel on a plate and cover it with a dark bowl.
5. Situate it on top of a warm area, such as a plant heat mat, that is anywhere between 80 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit. (This temperature helps with breaking dormancy.)
6. Check your seeds each day and dampen the towel when needed.

Extra Tips for Germinating Pepper Seeds

• Temperature is extremely important for pepper seed germination. A good range is usually between 80 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Use a temperature controller and heat mat set for ideal conditions.
• Don’t use just one germination method on all of your seeds. Pepper varieties may respond better to one over the other.
• Make sure the pepper seed towel never dries out. Check it daily!
• Here’s what to do after germination if you need help taking care of your new pepper seedlings.

What To Do After Your Pepper Seeds Sprout

After you have your germinated seeds, planting is done in a few steps:

1. Use sterilized scissors to cut the portion of towel containing your news seedlings. Do this very carefully so you don’t damage roots in the process.
2. Bury the seedlings — no more than 1/4″ deep — in your preferred growing media. (For example, seed-starting mix or a peat pot.)
3. Cover the seedlings with a light layer of growing media in seed starting trays or other small containers with holes in the bottom. Use a humidity dome (or stretch plastic cling wrap and poke holes in the top) to help retain moisture.
4. Place your seedlings under a ​plant light when plant parts push past the surface of the growing media. You can remove the humidity dome at this time.

» Read More: How to Care for Pepper Seedlings after Seeds Sprout

Troubleshooting Pepper Seeds That Won’t Sprout

I’ve been there and I know how frustrating that can be! In my experience, here are the usual culprits:

• Seed Source: Make sure that you purchase from a reputable pepper seed supplier. If you save your own seeds, be sure to harvest peppers that are totally ripe and not in the immature stage.
• Temperature: Pepper seeds need heat to successfully germinate! (About 80 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit; 26 to 32 degrees Celsius.) You can use a combination temperature controller and heating mat, if needed, to maintain this range.
• Water pH Level: Sometimes the pH level is too high or too low. Try using distilled or rainwater. Alternately, let tap water sit out for 24 hours before using it.

Pepper Germination FAQs

What’s Next?

After germinating pepper seeds, be sure to check out the how to grow peppers from seeds guide for a complete walkthrough on how to plant peppers and all the steps that take you through to harvesting chilies.

I wish you success in starting pepper seeds and a fruitful growing season! You may need to try more than one method for seed starting, especially when it comes to stubborn seeds.

Continue to Content

Germinating Pepper Seeds: 3 Options

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Active Time: 14 days

Total Time: 14 days 5 minutes

Difficulty: Easy

Do you have trouble germinating pepper seeds? You're not alone. If soil isn't working, here are three different ways to get your pepper seeds to grow faster.

Print

Materials

• Chamomile Tea
• Pepper Seeds
• Paper Towel or Coffee Filter
• Spray Bottle
• Option 1: Sealable Plastic Bag
• Option 2: Lidded Gelatin Cup
• Option 3: Plate and Dark Bowl

Tools

• [[Seedling Heat Mat ]]
• [[Optional: Temperature Controller and Heat Mat Set ]]

Instructions

Soak Pepper Seeds Before Planting To Soften Seed Shell

(Recommended preparation no matter what option you choose.)

1. Inspect your seeds and choose the best ones to soak. (In other words, don't pick seeds that are discolored or smaller than the rest of the bunch.)
2. Brew a cup of chamomile tea. Use the same tea bag to make another cup of tea so that you end up with a weak tea solution.
3. Soak your seeds in the weak tea solution for 24 to 48 hours.

Bag Method (Option 1)

1. Fold a paper towel or coffee filter in quarters and then spray with water until damp.
2. Place your pepper seeds in between the fold.
3. Position your towel and chili seeds in the plastic bag. Seal it up.
4. Place your bag on top of a seedling heat mat.
5. Spray your towel and seeds each day to keep the environment damp. This is also when you can check for sprouting seeds.

Cup Method (Option 2)

1. Dampen a small piece of paper towel and stick it at the bottom of the cup.
2. Place your seeds on top of the towel and put the lid on.
3. Leave the cup on top of a seedling heat mat.
4. Spray the towel each day and check for germinating seeds.
   
   

Freezer Method (Option 3)

1. Place your pepper seeds in the freezer for two days. (You can also use your refrigerator.)
2. Remove the seeds and place them in a folded-up paper towel.
3. Spray the towel with water and put it on a plate. Cover the plate with a dark bowl.
4. Put the plate with bowl on top of a seedling heat mat.
5. Check your seeds daily and spray the towel to keep everything damp.

Notes

• The ideal temperature range for germinating pepper seeds is 80 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit. (27 to 32 degrees Celsius.) I recommend using a heating mat and temperature controller set to make sure your growing environment is warm enough.
  
• After your seed germinates, use sterilized scissors to carefully cut the portion of towel with the seedling. Bury your seedling (no more than a 1/4" deep) in your preferred growing media.

Recommended Products

As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.

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  The Pepper Seed-Starting Guide
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  Bhut Jolokia / Ghost Chili Pepper Seeds at $.99/pack | SeedsNow.com
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  Taylors of Harrogate Organic Chamomile Herbal Tea, 20 Teabags
• 
  driew Plant Mister Spray Bottle, 10oz Plant Spray Bottle for Plants Misting Bottle Plant Water Spray Bottle Fine Mist Spray Bottle (Green)
• 
  VIVOSUN 10"x20.75" Seedling Heat Mat and Digital Thermostat Combo Set MET Standard

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