[QUOTE=Black Krim;682679]FOUND MY NOTE. Do not use peat to start peppers.

Started 12 varieties in baggies with damp paper towel. Fingers crossed.[/QUOTE]


Thought peppers were more "temp"ermental, thus, a little bottom heat or if in a baggie on top of the hot water heater, etc....

never heard of seed starting medium being a huge issue, but cold conditions can curb.

IDK - GL

IMO Peppers are not easy like tomatos are.

From what I read, you are correct that peppers need heat to germinate well, and can take a very long time. I looked on line and found a hot pepper guru with a seed starting video. Trying the sprouting in a baggie over a heating pad method.

I go through about one bag of Light Warrior seed starting mix each spring, mostly for peppers. It's crazy expensive, but I dilute it a lot. I think it is still worth the money if you are starting expensive hybrid seeds.

If you have a light big enough to make heat, they love that. When I place a big CFL fluorescent right over a flat of seeds, the seeds right under it sprout first, then others follow, moving outward from the warmest point near the light.

peppers do like the heat!

FYI this is the resource I used to start seeds. I am assuming this method by passes the type of growing medium.

[url]https://pepperjoe.com/pages/gardening-tips-starting-peppers-from-seed[/url]

[QUOTE=Black Krim;682897]FYI this is the resource I used to start seeds. I am assuming this method by passes the type of growing medium.

[URL="https://pepperjoe.com/pages/gardening-tips-starting-peppers-from-seed"]https://[B][SIZE=4]pepperjoe.com[/SIZE][/B]/pages/gardening-tips-starting-peppers-from-seed[/URL][/QUOTE]

You'll find that this website is not too popular around here:
[URL]http://www.tomatoville.com/showthread.php?t=19958[/URL]

Funny stuff actually.:o

Thanks for the link. Read for the info.

I see many web sites that use the same photo as other websites. Far more common practise than it should be.


I see tomato seeds that have changed names, and go by two names.

I see tomatos that when acquired with no known variety name be assigned a new name.


Im not trying to be disrespectful, just how I see some of these issues....

I remember a publication where the wrong photo of a stallion was used. I called the owner, he had not himself realized the wrong photo was used and named on his own promotional information.This is at an at internationally respected breeding farm. At least I can get DNA proof when breeding a mare to a stallion. Not so sure with tomatos.. or peppers......

Just to be clear. I highly value folks that make a real effort to be accurate and correct.

I take some paper towels, throw some seeds on, put in a thin container, add some water. Put container on a warm place (I put it on the radiator). When they sprout (4-7 days), i put them in any old growing medium, peat based. Better quality is... better of course.

I think peppers are more sensitive to pH then tomatoes, I have had poor quality medium that didn't give that good results, but otherwise I would say less fussy for growing in containers (no magnesium deficiencies, no problems with pots overheating, waterlogging is less of a problem, less medium needed even for huge pepper plants, can be overwintered).

Im eager to see if germination and growth will be faster with this method.

[QUOTE=Black Krim;683150]Im eager to see if germination and growth will be faster with this method.[/QUOTE]

Side-by-side with equal heat and moisture - sowing in a mix vs. sowing in a paper towel or coffee filter - - - -

They'll pop at the same time. I've done comparisons time and time again.

All pros and cons considered - germinating in a baggy saves 'heat' space. Sprouted plants do not necessarily need the 80-85F. 70-75F (warm room temperature) is fine for growing. Either method, after sprouting requires the same 'light' space.

I'd rather save my space, time, labor and mix for sprouted seeds rather than do all the work up front with unproven seeds and hope for the best.
IMO, +1 for baggy germination.
:yes:

Unclear--once sprouts are planted, they dont need the extra heat?

Checked seeds. Fat with water. No tails. Heating pad quits after 2 hours. Hmmmmmm

I think all the heating pads have auto-shutoff now. Maybe if you put it on a timer. that would work? 1:45 on, :15 off

[QUOTE=Black Krim;683464]Unclear--once sprouts are planted, they dont need the extra heat?[/QUOTE]

They will be fine with room temperature after they have germinated as long as they have plenty of light.

[QUOTE=Black Krim;683464]Checked seeds. Fat with water. No tails. Heating pad quits after 2 hours. Hmmmmmm [/QUOTE]

Didn't you just start them 3 days ago? I wouldn't even begin to worry until 2 weeks have past, and wouldn't panic until 3 weeks have past (then I just start some backups). 7 to 20 days has been my range for pepper germination (all types) with the majority germinating in 9-14 days.

Yes, peppers require patience. I used to be good at fishing so I think I can do this. Seeing the seeds is more intriguing than looking at black soil waiting for a greenish lump to push up.

A grow pad would be useful. I have one. Just not sure where to find it. Things move around in a year.:oops: