Patience is required when sowing peppers. Because the seedlings need more heat, light and time than other types of fruit vegetables to sprout from the ground. The idea of being able to sow the peppers as early as possible in order to get flowers and pods that are ready for harvest more quickly makes sense.

When is the right time to sow peppers?

Sowing peppers before the beginning of March is not worth it. With a lack of brightness, the seedlings form weak shoots, the cotyledons of which suffer from a lack of chlorophyll.

Anyone who sows peppers in the greenhouse or on the windowsill in good time has several advantages. The plants set flowers earlier and deliver pods that are ready for harvest faster. In addition, the pepper seedlings are protected from wind, weather and snail attacks.

What do you need to sow peppers?

  • seed trays or seed pots
  • Potting soil or substrate
  • viable pepper seeds
  • Mini watering can or spray bottle
  • Mini greenhouse or foil

The best start for pepper sowing

You can use yogurt pots or pots made from peat or egg cartons. Compostable containers are particularly practical because the young plants can be planted directly later without damaging the root balls. Special seed soil is suitable for filling the containers. This is more finely crumbly and poor in nutrients than potting soil.

The substrate should be damp but not soaking wet. Sow peppers in doses by placing 1 to 3 pepper seeds in each container. Peppers do not germinate in the light, they germinate in the dark. Therefore cover the seed thinly with sifted soil and spray with warm water.

To ensure the necessary warm, humid climate, place the seedlings in a greenhouse or covered with foil in a south-facing window. The ideal temperature for germination is 25° degrees. Now air the pepper seedlings briefly every day to avoid mold growth. And then? Just wait and see;-).

What to do when the first seedlings sprout?

The germination time depends on the quality and external conditions such as light, temperature and humidity. 3 to 4 weeks later, when the first pair of cotyledons appear, remove the cover. Now it is important to keep the substrate moist without waterlogging. After the last night frosts, you can plant the peppers in the garden. For this purpose, select the optimal location with sufficient planting distance in good time.

tips and tricks

Discard seedlings that are weak or misshapen. They are not suitable for cultivation. Put vigorous young plants outside a few hours longer each day to harden off.

Category:

Vegetable garden