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austinnhanasmom · February 24, 2011

I had horrible pepper seed germination last year - although the peppadew shined amid the sadness

I use the heating mats and all. My house temp is 65-68. Quite a few pepper seeds rotted before ever sprouting.

This year, I bleached them and am amazed at the difference in germination!

Long process but I am loving the results:

Boil water and allow to cool.

Make a tea bag - I used folded over cheese cloth but I know there's a better material. I placed 10 seeds in the center and tied with a string.

Soak this bag in a solution of 1c water and 1/4c bleach, occasionally swirling for 10 minutes.

Rinse in water for 1 minute. Repeat 6 more times with the rinse. I used 7 different rinse glasses.

I am starting over 30 pepper varieties, so this took hours and hours and lots of water.

February 24, 2011	#63
austinnhanasmom Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Z5, CO near Denver Posts: 225	I had horrible pepper seed germination last year - although the peppadew shined amid the sadness I use the heating mats and all. My house temp is 65-68. Quite a few pepper seeds rotted before ever sprouting. This year, I bleached them and am amazed at the difference in germination! Long process but I am loving the results: Boil water and allow to cool. Make a tea bag - I used folded over cheese cloth but I know there's a better material. I placed 10 seeds in the center and tied with a string. Soak this bag in a solution of 1c water and 1/4c bleach, occasionally swirling for 10 minutes. Rinse in water for 1 minute. Repeat 6 more times with the rinse. I used 7 different rinse glasses. I am starting over 30 pepper varieties, so this took hours and hours and lots of water.