Germinating Pepper Seeds: Tricks To Get Them To Sprout

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. Some varieties 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

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.

Make the Weak Tea Solution:

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:

Fold a paper towel or coffee filter in quarters and then spray it with water until is damp.
Place your pepper seeds in between the fold.
Position your towel and chili seeds in the ziplock bag. Seal it up.
Place your bag on top of a warm spot such as a heat mat. (An ideal germination temperature is 80 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit.)
Spray your towel and seeds each day with water to keep it damp.
Check for sprouting seeds. When they germinate, bury them under a light layer of sterile potting soil.

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, in a simple plastic cup creates another ideal setting for pepper germination. You can get these cups at a party supply or grocery store.

Dampen a small piece of paper towel and stick it at the bottom of the cup.
Place your seeds on top of the towel and put the lid on.
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

Place your pepper seeds in the freezer for two days. Yep, we said freezer.
Remove the seeds and position them in a folded-up paper towel. Dampen the towel with water.
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.
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!

And for those of you looking for complete, how-to steps on all indoor growing phases, from germinating your seeds to getting 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!