Growing Chilli Seedlings
Your seeds have germinated, and the first leaves are pushing through the growing media — Now What?
Lighting
Lighting is crucial for chilli seedlings, especially during the darker months of December and January. While natural sunlight is perfectly adequate in spring and summer, winter sun often isn’t strong enough.
What happens with poor lighting?
- Plants will grow tall, thin, and in various directions, searching for light.
- Weak stems make seedlings vulnerable to damage.
The Solution: LED Grow Lights
Investing in LED lighting systems for your seedlings is highly recommended. This will ensure bushier, stronger, and stockier growth from the start. LED lights are affordable, effective, and can be used to create a simple DIY setup. Complete systems are also available and worth the investment for robust chilli seedlings.
Using Lights to Assist Seedlings
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Germination Stage:
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Once seeds germinate and the first small leaves appear (cotyledons), remove the lid
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Place the seedlings in a tray under grow lights. At this stage, the lights should be on 12-18 hours a day.
- Do not place as close as possible, the key here is consistency, with consistency the plant will grow true and strong
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Early Seedling Stage:
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As the plants begin to grow, raise the lights slightly to encourage proper growth.
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The first leaves (cotyledons) are not “true” leaves; they provide initial energy for first true leaves growth
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True Leaves Formation:
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Within 1–2 weeks, your seedlings will begin to grow their first “true” leaves.
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At this stage, the plants are well on their way to healthy growth.
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Why Lighting Makes a Difference
Whether you’re growing seedlings in soil, Jiffy plugs, or Rockwool cubes, lighting will significantly speed up and improve results:
- In winter, natural sunlight alone is not strong enough to produce bushy, strong plants.
- Cold weather further slows growth, heat from the propagator and light making artificial lighting essential for early planting.
When to Add Nutrients
- Soil and Jiffy Plugs: Nutrients are not needed at this stage, however a little weak solution will help
- Rockwool Cubes: These require nutrients earlier on. (See our Nutrients Section for more details.)
With the right lighting, temperature, and support, your seedlings will thrive, growing stronger and bushier, ready for the next stage of their journey.