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Chilli Propagation for Chilli Seeds

Chilli Propagation
Learn how to germinate chilli seeds for healthy, thriving plants.

Getting Started

Once you’ve chosen the type of chilli plant to grow and decided where to grow it, it’s time to focus on germinating your seeds.

For the best results, plan to germinate 5–10 seeds. This ensures a higher chance of success and gives you the opportunity to select the healthiest seedlings for planting.

The Importance of a Heated Propagator

A heated propagator is your best tool for quick and successful germination. By maintaining an average temperature of 27-30°C and humidity levels close to 100%, you create the perfect environment for your seeds. Ideal setting is 29c

Keep the propagator bottom warm - if its in a freezing cold garage the heat will not rise enough to achieve results

If its too warm around the propagator the slower the results.

By providing a heat rising through moisture and forced through the seed coat the quicker and more successive the germination

Enclose a small wet area in the propagator to naturally achieve high humidity.

Seed Storage Tips

Whether your seeds are store-bought, gifted, or saved from last year’s plants, proper storage is key:

  • Dry and Store: Keep seeds dry to reduce metabolic activity and prevent damage.
  • Seal and Cool: Store seeds in a sealed plastic bag in the fridge. This slows the seed’s metabolic rate and preserves its viability.
  • Did you know? The World Seed Bank stores seeds at -18°C in Norway’s permafrost. Storing seeds in your fridge is more than sufficient for maintaining quality!

What Happens During Germination?

A chilli seed is essentially a tiny plant encased in a protective husk. Here’s how it germinates:

  • Warmth and Moisture: Soften the husk, allowing water to enter the seed.
  • The First Root: The plant begins by pushing its root through the husk.
  • Leaves Unfurl: The stem grows, and the first leaves open to capture light.

Germination Methods

Soil The classic method!

Use high-quality compost with added peat or coir.
Keep the soil damp and plant seeds 4mm deep.
Place in a heated propagator and ensure the soil doesn’t dry out.
Once germinated:

Transfer seedlings to a lighting area or under grow lights if starting in winter.
Maintain temperatures of 18–21°C and trap humidity to keep VPD (Vapour Pressure Deficit) low, below 1.0, for quick growth.

Jiffy Plugs

Ideal for beginners. These plugs contain peat or coir wrapped in a cloth.

  • Soak the plugs until they expand.
  • Place seeds 3mm deep to avoid difficulty sprouting.
  • Keep plugs very damp but not waterlogged.
  • if coir its best to add a weak solution of chilli focus - see our feeding page here

Once Germinated Move the plugs to a lighting area and provide consistent warmth and humidity. - Can be left in the propagator, ideal to do when very young, Lower the heat to 18-21c and keep the cover over them

Rockwool Cubes
Traditionally used in hydroponics, these cubes can also be transferred to soil.

Soak cubes in a weak feed solution.
Place the seed in a hole in the centre, ensuring it’s deep enough for sprouting.
Important:

Keep cubes constantly damp.
Start germination in the dark, as light isn’t necessary at this stage.
Once germinated, move cubes to a lighting area. Again in he propagator

Consistency is Key

Consistency is the golden rule for germination and growth.

Chilli plants "do maths"—they calculate their growth based on the energy they received the previous day. A consistent environment ensures daily growth, while fluctuating conditions slow progress.

 

 

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