You set the course for a successful chilli culture during cultivation. How to properly grow plants is not a closed book. In order for the seeds to germinate, only a few specifications are important.

In the spring chillies pull under impeccable constellations

In the latitudes here, there is little time to grow chillies successfully. If the germination time is still rapid, the ripening period lasts up to 120 days. Consequently, only February and March are suitable for cultivation.

The heat-loving seeds find favorable conditions in a warm room or heated greenhouse. In order for them to germinate, they seek temperatures of at least 22 degrees Celsius and sufficient moisture. The lighting conditions only become important later.

Sow first after a botanical wake-up call

Mother Nature equipped chilli seeds with a protective mechanism to prevent them from germinating prematurely. Heat and moisture are not enough to end this dormancy. How to get the seeds in the mood to germinate:

  • fill a bowl with lukewarm salted water
  • soak the seeds in it for 24-48 hours
  • in a thermos the water stays warm

Experienced hobby gardeners go one step further. To prevent the formation of rot, disinfect the seeds in a 3% hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) solution. After 20 minutes, the tincture is diluted to 50% with water to soak the seeds for 24 hours.

Sowing determines the germination time

Following the pre-treatment, the pre-drawing flows seamlessly into the sowing. You will need these materials:

  • Seed tray or seed pots
  • Peat-sand mixture or special seed soil
  • Cling film, otherwise a mini greenhouse
  • water spray bottle
  • fine mesh sieve

Fill the seed container with substrate and place the seeds 2-3 mm deep in it. The distance is about 2 cm. Then you sieve the seed thinly with the earth and moisten it with a fine shower.

At a constant temperature of 25 to 28 degrees Celsius, the germination period is 10 to 30 days. Lower temperatures significantly lengthen the process. Covering with cling film or the space in the mini greenhouse create a beneficial, humid and warm microclimate.

Seedlings want to go to the south window

When the first cotyledons emerge, the tender little plants come into the light. A place on the sunny south-facing window with shade in the midday sun is ideal. Spoil the seedlings with a little water from time to time and growth will progress quickly.

After a further 2 to 4 weeks pricking is on the agenda. Now each chilli wants to form its root ball in its own planter before it goes out onto the balcony or bed from mid-May.

tips and tricks

In any substrate, fungal spores, insect eggs, and viruses can be lurking to pounce on the seeds. You can prevent this danger by means of disinfection. Place the seed soil in a fireproof bowl in the oven for 20 minutes at 180 degrees Celsius or in the microwave for 8 minutes at 800 watts.

Category:

Vegetable garden