How to Germinate Bell Pepper Seeds

Bell peppers produce dozens of tiny and somewhat stubborn seeds.

Many gardeners find it difficult to germinate bell pepper seeds. A bell pepper seed may take up to month to germinate, or may not germinate at all. For this reason, home growers often choose to start their bell pepper plants from seedlings rather than attempt seed germination. Effectively germinate bell pepper seeds with almost every attempt by providing the ideal water and light conditions.

Things You'll Need

• Bowl
• Bell pepper seeds
• Container
• Potting soil

Instructions

1. Fill a shallow bowl with lukewarm water. Add the bell pepper seeds to the bowl and let them soak for three days.

2. Fill a container with potting soil. A wide, shallow container, such as a casserole dish, works best.

3. Bury the seeds ¼ inch deep with each one spaced 1 inch apart.

4. Add just enough water to the soil so that it is moist. Bell pepper roots are intolerant of soggy soil, so it's best to keep the soil a little on the dry side.

5. Place the container in a sunny window. Water the soil once per day until the seeds begin to germinate.

Tips & Warnings

• Start the seeds about a month before the usual date of the last frost.

• Transplant the bell pepper seedlings outdoors once they reach at least 2 inches tall.

References

• University of Illinois Extension: Peppers

Resources

• Texas A&M University: Peppers