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How to Test Pepper Seed Viability for Germination Before You Plant

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​(Note: This post is part of the ​Start Growing Peppers series. Be sure to check out that page so you don't miss anything.)

​You can start your peppers by simply sowing a few seeds and then waiting ​to see what pops up. ​It's much safer to test ​pepper seed viability first.

Why?

​​A viability test can give you an absolute guarantee that ​​certain seeds, under favorable grow conditions, ​can germinate.

​Home gardeners typically depend on frost dates, grow seasons and other weather-related factors (assuming you grow outdoors). ​Seeds that won't sprout can make you lose precious time that can throw your whole season off. Or, worse, you might not get to grow out your favorite chillies.

​Business owners may provide pepper plants​ or chile-related products for customers.​ Unusable seeds​ is money lost. ​And if your business grows novelty peppers, it may not be possible to purchase​ the same seedling varieties to replace your lost plants.

​This is why you want to test pepper seed viability for germination. ​It can save a lot of trouble.

​​Soak Your Seeds

If you remember this post, I ​describe the soaking procedure. ​This is how you tell whether the seeds can germinate in the first place.

Soaking pepper seeds

  1. ​Drop a few seeds in a cup filled with water. (You can also use a weak chamomile tea solution to help kill off any bacteria during the soak.)
  2. Wait 24 to 48 hours.
  3. ​​Discard the seeds that are still floating at the top.
  4. ​Plant the seeds that dropped to the bottom. These are you good seeds.

Note: Be sure to plant your soaked seeds right away, or use them for the seed germination test below.

​Test Pepper Seeds for ​Viability

​This process ​will determine the viability of your seeds, which means you'll know if they are capable of germination.  ​Yo​u can plant these sprouts right after the test.

​Materials You'll Need:

  • ​​10 seeds of each pepper variety you are testing (or use the ones from the soaking procedure)​​​
  • Sealable plastic baggies for each pepper variety
  • Paper towels for each variety
  • Permanent marker to label the baggies
  • ​Spray bottle filled with water

1. Wet the paper towel with water and then spread it out.

soaking a paper towel
paper towel spread out
  • 2. Place 10 seeds of a pepper variety on the towel.

    • test pepper seed viability with 10 pepper seeds on towel

    3. Roll up the paper towel and press slightly to make sure the seeds connect with the towel and stay in place.

    rolling up paper towel to test pepper seed viability
  • 4. Drop the towel in a sealable baggie and then label it with the name of the pepper variety. 

    • labeling pepper seed viability test

    5. Put the baggie on a warm area, such as a heat mat, to help with the germination.

    6. Check the seeds in the towel daily for germination. Spray the towel to keep it moist.

    Simple Seed Germination Test Video:

    Determine Your Seed Viability Results:

    ​​After the seeds have sprouted, you'll want to determine their viability rate. This will tell you whether the rest of the seed packet has a good chance of germination.

    Simply count the number of germinated seedlings and multiply by 10 to get the rate. For instance, 8 seeds would be an 80% viability rate.

    Note: Less than a 50% viability rate​ is going to be tough to grow. I suggest getting another pack of seeds, or else plant a lot more seeds in the hopes that some will germinate.

    ​Plant Your Germinated Seedlings:

    ​Once those seeds sprout, you'll want to get them in a potting medium to start growing them out.

    ​​Cut the piece of paper towel that contains the seedling and then just plant directly into the medium. Don't try to pull the seedling off of the towel because you can damage the roots.

    Happy growing!

    ​Start Growing Peppers Series:

    ​​And for those of you looking for complete, how-to steps on all indoor growing phases, from ​germinating your seeds to g​etting your seedlings to the point ​where they can safely go outside… Make sure to check out the updated and expanded Pepper Seed Starting Guide. I personally use this resource to ​start my abundant pepper garden each season, and I’m always here to answer questions!

    Germinating Pepper Seeds: Tricks To Get Them To Sprout

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    ​(Note: This post is part of the Start Growing Peppers series. Be sure to check out that page so you don't miss anything.)

    Some pepper seeds pop within a few days, others take a couple of weeks and some never come up at all.

    The pepper variety plays a big part in how fast it germinates. Capsicum chinense varieties like the 7-Pot Trinidad and Fatalii, for example, are notorious for being hard to start. This can be really frustrating, especially if you only have a handful of seeds to work with.

    Fortunately, you can use a couple of techniques that make germinating pepper seeds much easier. These methods are also ideal for speeding up the germination time of the slower chili varieties.

    ​Soften the Seed Shell

    Soaking pepper seeds

    ​One of the best things you can do for your seeds is to soak them before planting.

    This weakens the shell barrier so the seedlings don't have to work so hard to break through.

    ​As a bonus, if you use a weak chamomile tea solution for the soaking, you also kill off any bacteria that may be present.

    ​Make the Weak Tea Solution:

    Brew a cup of chamomile and drink it. Use the same tea bag to make another cup of tea, and then use that batch to soak your seeds.

    Let your seeds soak for 24 to 48 hours before planting.

    ​Use the Bag Method

    You can create an effective germination environment for your chile seeds simply by using a paper towel, ziplock bag or coffee filter and water.

    This bag method is ideal for difficult varieties that have problems sprouting using the traditional seed-starting mix. Some peppers also germinate faster in the bag.

    Here's how you do it:

    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 heat mat. (An ideal germination temperature is 80 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit.)
      ​
    5. Spray your towel and seeds each day with water to keep it damp.

    6. Check for sprouting seeds. When they germinate, bury them under a light layer of sterile potting soil.
    pepper seeds on a paper towel

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

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

    ​Use the Cup Method

    A lidded, 2.5 ounce gelatin cup creates another ideal setting for pepper germination. You can get these cups at a party supply or grocery store.

    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 warm spot, ideally between 80 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit, and dampen the towel each day to keep the environment moist.

    ​Note: I’ve put all of these steps into a cheat sheet for those of you that prefer a printable format. You access it by clicking here.

    ​Try the Freezer Method

    1. ​Place your pepper seeds in the freezer for two days. Yep, we said freezer.

    2. Remove the seeds and position them in a folded-up paper towel. Dampen the towel with water.

    3. Place the towel on a plate and cover it with a dark bowl. Situate it on top of a warm spot that is anywhere between 80 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit.

    4. Check your seeds each day and dampen the towel when needed.

    ​Extra Tips for Germinating Pepper Seeds

    • ​Temperature is extremely important for germination. A good range is usually between 80 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit.

    • Don't use just one germination method on all of your seeds. Try a few seeds at a time to see what works best for you.

    • Make sure the pepper seed towel never dries out. Check it daily!

    So there you have it. We wish you much success in germinating your pepper seeds!

    ​Start Growing Peppers Series:

    ​​And for those of you looking for complete, how-to steps on all indoor growing phases, from ​germinating your seeds to g​etting your seedlings to the point ​where they can safely go outside… Make sure to check out the updated and expanded Pepper Seed Starting Guide. I personally use this resource to ​start my abundant pepper garden each season, and I’m always here to answer questions!

    Know When To Plant Your Pepper Seeds Indoors

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    ​(Note: This post is part of the Growing Peppers Starter series. Be sure to check out that page so you don't miss anything.)

    You've purchased your pepper seeds or maybe even saved your own seeds. Now you just need to know when to plant them.

    This is crucial step before you attempt to germinate your seeds. It can make or break your season.

    Why?

    Planting too early means you might expose young plants to a late frost, which they can't survive. And if you start your peppers too late, you may not get much of a harvest because your plants won't have a long enough growing season.

    So here's how you pick the best time to sow ​your seeds...

    Know Your Gardening Zone

    USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map
    USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Legend

    Find Your Location's Last Expected Day of Frost

    These sites offer calculators that automatically give you this information:

    U.S.A.​

    Canada

    After You Know Your Last Expected Date of Frost...

    Simply count back at least three months to determine when to sow your seeds.

    For example, if your last date of frost is in May, plant your seeds in late January or early February.

    Final Notes

    • Hot peppers do not do well in the cold. They won't survive temperature that go below 50 degrees Fahrenheit, and they can't live past a frost.
    • Remember that the last expected date of frost isn't exact. The information is typically based on average history, but it doesn't take into account unexpected weather. Always check with your local weather reports before sowing seeds and especially before moving your plants outside.

    I hope you find this information useful and I wish you an amazing harvest!

    ​Start Growing Peppers Series:

    ​​And for those of you looking for complete, how-to steps on all indoor growing phases, from ​germinating your seeds to g​etting your seedlings to the point ​where they can safely go outside… Make sure to check out the updated and expanded Pepper Seed Starting Guide. I personally use this resource to ​start my abundant ​chile garden each season, and I’m always here to answer questions!

    How To Buy Hot Pepper Seeds Without Getting Ripped Off

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    ​(Note: This post is part of the Growing Peppers series​. Be sure to check ​it out so you don't miss anything.)

    There's something that many of us chile growers have in common, which isn't very pleasant...

    We've been ripped off by a dishonorable pepper seed vendor at one time or another.

    It happens.

    In fact I had an experience when I first ​went to purchase seeds. Back then, I knew I wanted to grow cherry bomb peppers (the name sounded cool) so I quickly did a Google search and found a vendor selling "rare" seeds on eBay. I excitedly made my purchase and eventually received the seeds in a letter envelope.

    The seeds were loose, dirty and some had been crushed. I knew nothing about seed-shipping practices so I accepted this as the norm and quickly planted the non-broken specimens.

    Nothing grew (except bacteria) and I blamed my lack of experience. I later discovered that there were a lot complaints about that particular vendor.

    I've heard other stories about people who buy seeds and realize months later that the seeds didn't grow true to type. In other words, they didn't produce the same characteristics as the parent plant.

    ​More commonly, the latest "hottest pepper in the world" comes out, unethical sellers see a quick money-making opportunity and people buy their seeds only to have an unpleasant surprise.  ​(​For example, people ​think they are ​growing Ghost Peppers​, but end up with Jalapenos!)

    ​Sadly, by time the plants have fully grown out, it's usually too late to make a complaint. Plus, precious planting time is lost.

    Now I'm not writing all of this to scare people off of buying seeds. Far from it. Instead, I want to share some tips that can help you buy from reputable vendors.

    Let me show you the best ways to do this...

    ​Proceed with Caution on Amazon and eBay

    caution sign

    ​Let me preface this by saying that not all sellers on these sites are bad.

    Just be wary when making making a purchase from an unknown vendor.

    ​One of the main problems is that feedback on these sites doesn't tell you the complete story.

    Positive reviews are usually attributed to the quickness and safe arrival of your seeds.

    ​By the time your plants produce fruit, a few months have passed and it's too late to file a claim if the item is not as described. And scorned customers may not always have the ability to update their comments once they realized what's happened.

    So what do you do?

    Read The Item Description Carefully To Understand What You're Getting
    Consider these questions:

    • Does the seller personally grow and harvest the peppers, or does this person buy and resell the seeds? (The pictures in the ad may be taken from other businesses or digital image libraries.)
      ​
    • Are the seeds heirloom, hybrid or open pollinated? (You can find out ​what this all means here.)
      ​
    • Does the seller do a germination test before selling seeds?

    • How many seeds will you get? (This number should be at least 10.)

    • What country are the seeds coming from?

    Ask The Seller A Question
    I recommend that you contact the vendor with a question -- any question -- just to see if he or she responds. If you don't get an answer, move on.

    (As of this writing, Amazon doesn't provide potential buyers with a way of contacting the seller before making a purchase; however, on eBay, you can contact sellers before, during or after a transaction.)

    Read Feedback Comments
    Go beyond the feedback score on these sites and find out what the neutral and negative comments are.

    It may seem that Amazon and eBay are the best places for hot pepper seeds, but again, always be cautious. If other gardeners give the thumbs up for a particular seller, you should be okay.

    (​Note: ​​This Pepper Seed Vendor List page ​will save you a lot of work!)

    ​Researching Pepper Seed Vendors

    If you have a particular seed seller in mind, talk to other pepper growers first. This is one of the best ways to protect your money and time.

    Hot pepper and gardening forums are full of people who can either share their experience with a particular vendor, or point you in the direction of someone who has what you want. Simply search for "pepper forum" in Google and you'll find plenty of options.

    Many of these sites have "vendor" threads or rooms where you can get information. Others have dedicated seller review pages where you can find feedback written by other members.

    ​Finding Your Pepper Variety

    magnifying glass

    When you want to grow a unique or exotic pepper it's hard to know where to look.

    Doing Web searches will usually point to listings on Amazon or eBay, but you have better resources at your fingertips.

    Again, check out the gardening / hot pepper forums and look in the "Classifieds" category (if they have one), or post a question in the appropriate room.

    Most people are really helpful.

    Oftentimes, you'll find someone who will share or trade that particular variety if they have extra seeds.

    Forums are one of my favorite ways of getting rare pepper seeds because the members have personally grown the peppers and can give you valuable tips for success. People who sell seeds on these sites are usually outstanding vendors because they are dedicated growers who know reputation is everything.

    (​​​Tip: Before posting a seed request, register with the community and ​​join in some discussions first. Existing members are more likely to be receptive to your requests if you show that you're someone who wants to participate in the forum and isn't just passing through.)

    ​If Your Pepper Seeds Still Don't Grow True To Type

    So I've talked about being safe when buying pepper seeds, but...

    ... what happens if you purchase from a reputable vendor and the chile seeds still don't grow true?

    Mistakes can happen. With the exception of the Manzano pepper that has black seeds, most seeds are impossible to tell apart.

    Work with the seller, explain what happened and allow them to remedy the situation. Many will do their best to keep you happy.

    If you happened to trade or get free seeds from a fellow grower, you might end up with some interesting pepper variation. This is usually due to ​open pollination and not isolating pepper seeds. Many people enjoy these types of surprises!

    You now have all the information you need to buy seeds with confidence. And in the future, you can start ​saving pepper seeds from your favorite varieties so you don't have to buy them again!

    ​Start Growing Peppers Series:

    ​And for those of you looking for the ideal setup to grow out your seeds… Make sure to check out this mini hot house that I use to consistently germinate seeds and grow them into healthy seedlings. By the way, the link above is an affiliate link, which means that I earn a commission if you do end up purchasing this product. It’s at no extra cost to you, and if you have any questions related to this item, I’d be happy to answer them for you!

    Heirloom Peppers vs Open Pollinated vs Hybrid Seeds: What’s The Difference?

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    ​(Note: This post is part of the Start Growing Peppers series. Be sure to check out that page so you don't miss anything.)

    When it comes to pepper seeds, you'll see the words heirloom, open pollinated or hybrid in the description. You're probably wondering what the heck these words mean.

    It turns out these terms are pretty significant.

    ​The type of seed will tell you:

    Generally, you can grow any non-GMO (genetically modified organism) pepper seed.

    But...

    Different types of seeds will produce dramatically different results.

    Here's a description of each seed type. This will help you determine your own preference when buying seeds.

    Heirloom Pepper Seeds

    ​An heirloom variety is typically seed that is at least 50 years old. It has a history of being passed down through generations -- it's a great way to preserve historical varieties.

    Heirloom peppers are created naturally and not commercially. This type of seed is ideal for saving.

    Heirlooms tend be more nutritious than other varieties. Many growers agree that they have a richer flavor too.

    Some people don't like heirlooms because the harvest can be sporadic. The size of the fruit can be different on the same plant too.

    Personally, I like being surprised so I try to grow heirlooms whenever I can!

    Open Pollination

    ​Plants that are pollinated by natural means, such as birds or insects, are open pollinated (OP). This type of seed can also fall into the heirloom category, but not all OP seeds are heirlooms.

    It's possible to grow a true-to-type pepper from an open-pollinated seed, but the chances for variation are greater.

    If you want to retain the exact characteristics of an OP, isolate the seeds.

    Hybrid Varieties

    ​Hybrid varieties -- typically labeled as "F1" -- are developed by human intervention. Usually, it's to  purposefully create a desirable trait such as higher yields or better disease resistance.

    The Red Savina, for example, is a red habanero that was developed to produce larger, hotter and heavier fruit.

    Hybrids are not stable enough for seed saving, which means you'll need to buy more seeds each year.

    If you do try to save and grow hybrid seeds, they won't be true-to-type and they'll be a lot less vigorous.

    Hybrids and GMOs (A Clarification)

    ​Because hybrids tend to get mixed up with GMOs, here's some clarification...

    They are not one in the same.

    Genetically modified organisms are developed in a lab to have their DNA altered -- typically a deletion or insertion of a gene.

    This process is not natural.

    Hybrids, on the other hand, are developed over time by human hands using natural methods of cross-pollination.

    Choosing The Best Hot Pepper Seeds For You

    ​Hopefully, this post clears any confusion and you now have a better understanding of how heirloom, open pollinated or hybrid seeds operate.

    Armed with information, you can now grow a garden that suits your needs and preferences.

    ​Start Growing Peppers Series:

    ​And for those of you looking for complete, how-to steps on all indoor growing phases, from ​germinating your seeds to g​etting your seedlings to the point ​where they can safely go outside… Make sure to check out the updated and expanded Pepper Seed Starting Guide. I personally use this resource to ​start my abundant pepper garden each season, and I’m always here to answer questions!​

    What Types Of Peppers Should You Grow? (This Will Help You Decide)

    By Leave a Comment

    ​(Note: This post is part of the beginning Growing Peppers series. Be sure to check out that page so you don't miss anything.)

    With so many chile varieties out there, it's hard to decide what types of peppers you should grow.

    It's really all about preference.

    Chile colors can be anything from purple, to bright orange, to brown and even blue. Heat levels may range from the sweetest bell pepper to the burn-your-intestines Trinidad Scorpions.

    You can even select hot pepper plants by measurement. (For example, NuMex Twilight is nice and compact.)

    Below is just a sampling of choices available to you.

    (By the way, if you prefer to select your peppers based on how you can use them in the kitchen, check out this post.)

    ​Types Of Peppers By Color

    Chillies are listed by a selection of exotic colors.

    (Please note, we don't include green and red because most chillies start off the former and end up the latter.)

    This list doesn't include every possible variety, but it will give you a good idea of what's available.

    Brown:

    • Chocolate Habanero (Congo Black)
    • Bhut Jolokia Chocolate
    • Trinidad Douglah
    • Trinidad Congo Brown
    • Trinidad 7 Pod Brown
    • Aji Panca (Aji Brown)
    • Black Naga
    • Chocolate Scotch Bonnet
    • Miniature Chocolate
    • Aji Brown
    • Chilhuacle Negro
    • Pasilla
    chocolate habanero peppers

    Chocolate Habanero Peppers

    Black:

    • Black Hungarian
    • Royal Black
    • Black Jalapeno
    • Black Pearl
    • Black Scorpion Tongue
    • Little Nubian

    Purple:

    • Purple Jalapeño
    • Purple Bhut Jolokia
    • Pimenta da Neyde
    • Purple Beauty Bell Pepper
    • Explosive Ember
    • Fluorescent Purple
    • Large Purple Cayenne
    • Firecracker Pequin
    jalapeno pepper, purple jalapenos

    Purple Jalapenos

    ​Yellow:

    • Yellow 7 Pot
    • Yellow Jalapeno Pepper (Jaloro)
    • Lemon Drop
    • Aji Pineapple
    • Trinidad Perfume
    • Fatalii
    • Yellow Rocoto (Manzano)
    • Scotch Bonnet Yellow
    • Trinidad Moruga Scorpion Yellow
    • Bhut Jolokia Yellow
    • Trinidad Congo Yellow
    • Trinidad Morovas
    • Trinidad Scorpion Yellow
    • Yellow Devil's Tongue
    • Big Sun (Yellow Sun) Habanero
    • Golden Cayenne
    • Peter Pepper Yellow
    fatalii pepper

    Fatalii Pepper

    White:

    • Yucatan White Habanero
    • Peruvian White Lightening
    • White Bhut Jolokia
    • Giant White Habanero

    Blue:

    • Filius Blue

    Multicolored:

    • NuMex Twilight
    • Jalapeno Piñata
    • Aji Omnicolor
    • Hot Fish
    • Chinese Five Color
    • Marbles
    New Mexico Twilight Peppers

    NuMex Twilight Peppers

    ​Types Of Peppers By Heat Level

    You can pick your peppers by heat level, from mild to having to wear a gas mask when preparing the spicier ones. (I'm not kidding about the gas mask!)

    Below is just a sampling of each heat level category.

    Mild:

    • Pasilla
    • Poblano
    • Anaheim
    • Trinidad Perfume
    • Banana Pepper
    • Cubanelle
    • Pepperoncini
    • Hatch Chile Peppers
    • Guajillo
    • Aji Brown
    • Aji Panca
    • Ancho
    • Bishop's Hat
    • Cherry
    • Chilhuacle varieties
    • Chupetinha (Pimenta Bico)
    • Georgia Flame
    • Jalapeno Fooled You
    • Medusa
    • Peri Peri
    Holy Mole Hybrid Pepper

    Holy Mole Hybrid (Pasilla Type) Pepper

    Hot:

    • African Devil
    • Habanero
    • Serrano
    • Aji Lemon Drop
    • Fresno
    • Puya
    • Santaka
    • Charleston Hot
    • Jamaican Hot
    • Scotch Bonnet
    • Fatalii
    • Caribbean Red
    • Beni Highlands
    • Bonda Ma Jacques
    • Brown Rocoto
    • Bulgarian Apple
    • Chicken Heart
    • Ecuadorian Hot
    • Goats Weed
    • Hinkle Hatz
    • ​Hot Fish
    Hot Fish Pepper

    Hot Fish Pepper

    Super Hot:

    • Trinidad Scorpion
    • Trinidad Scorpion Butch T
    • Trinidad Scorpion Moruga
    • Carolina Reaper (HP22B)
    • ​Bhut Jolokia / Naga Jolokia / Ghost Pepper
    • Naga Morich (Dorset Naga)
    • 7 pot (7 pod) pepper
    • Trinidad Douglah (7 Pod Brown)
    • 7 Pod Jonah
    • 7 Pod Barrackpore
    • 7 Pod Brain Strain
    • 7 Pod Primo
    • Trinidad Scorpion Moruga Blend
    • Bhut Jolokia Indian Carbon
    • Trinidad Morovas
    • Trinidad Congo
    trinidad moruga scorpion peppers

    Trinidad Moruga Scorpion peppers

    ​Types Of Peppers By Size

    Many hot pepper plants typically grow between 2 to 4 feet tall, depending on variety.

    When plants are 2 feet or smaller, we list this as "compact," and when 4 feet and higher, we label it as "tall."

    Ornamental varieties, such as Black Pearl and Medusa, are good examples of compact-size plants.

    If you grow tall varieties, you'll need plant supports such as a plant stakes or tomato cages.

    Compact:

    • Black Pearl
    • Filius Blue
    • NuMex Twilight
    • White Habanero
    • Marbles
    • Royal Black
    • Aji Omnicolor
    • Chinese Giant
    • Firecracker Pequin
    • Little Nubian
    • Medusa's Head
    • Miniature Chocolate
    • Abbraccio
    Black Pearl Peppers

    Black Pearl Peppers

    Tall:

    • Brazilian Starfish
    • Habanero Tree (Habanero de Arbol)
    • Giant Marconi Red
    • Bishop's Crown (Christmas Bell)
    • Rain Forest
    • Aji Amarillo
    Brazilian Starfish Peppers

    Brazilian Starfish Peppers

    ​Please l​et me know what your favorite pepper is below!

    ​Start Growing Peppers Series:

    ​And for those of you looking for complete, how-to steps on all indoor growing phases, from ​germinating your seeds to growing them to the point ​where they can safely go outside… Make sure to check out the updated and expanded Pepper Seed Starting Guide. I personally use this resource to ​start my abundant pepper garden each season, and I’m always here to answer questions!