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Chilli Propagation
Okay then, you have chosen the plant you want to grow and how you will be growing it and where - Now it is time to germinate your seed
Regardless of where you got your seed from, it is best to think about germinating 5 - 10 seeds to not only to ensure you get successful germination but choosing the best looking plants for you to grow will ensure better results
Using a Heated Propagator will ensure you get the best results in the shortest time available
By providing an average of 25-27c and a humidity of as close to 100% will provide the best environment for the seed to germinate in
Enclosing a small wet area in a container like this one will allow you to get 96-100% humidity naturally just by plugging in the heat mat to heat up the interior
If you get your seed from us or another supplier from a friend or own stock from the previous year then it is best to ensure the seed is dry and then store in a sealed plastic bag in the fridge
A seed is basically a miniature plant protected by a husk pod
The little plant has enough nutrients to expand its first root and opens its first leaves that are in the seed pod
However, the seed is dried to keep the little plants metabolic rate down to a minimum
A lack of moisture will slow this process slightly, but primarily it is the temperature the seed is stored in that controls its metabolic rate - the moisture is removed to ensure there is no ice crystals forming inside the seed which would kill the little plant
The colder the slower the germination, this will increase the chance the seed will be germinated
The World Seed bank is based in a Cavern in Norway’s permafrost and stored at temperatures approaching -18c, so leaving them in your fridge is not a problem
When you place the seed in a warm high humid climate, it will soften the outside husk and water will penetrate the seed feeding the little plant
It will then respond by pushing its root through the seed coat, grow its stem and open its leaves
Rockwool - Jiffy Plugs - Soil
These are the three main growing media used for germinating and growing seeds to seedlings
The classic way, obviously!
Use a good quality compost fresh with full of nutrients - makes sure soil is Damp throughout and place several seeds in the centre of the pot about 4-8mm below the surface
Place in your propagator and make sure your soil doesn’t dry out until the seed has germinated
Once your seed has germinated you can transfer to your lighting area
Once your seedlings have grown a little you can choose the best looking one to grow in the pot
Jiffy Plugs - these are a cloth wrapped around peat which provides a mass of nutrients that the seedling will need
Take your plugs and soak until they expand, ring out excess water but make sure they are still very damp
Place your seed approx 3mm inside the centre of the plug, you don’t want to bury the seeds too deep in jiffy plugs as the seedling will have difficulty pushing through the peat to open its leaves and ensure your jiffy plug doesn’t dry out
Again once the seedling is showing move the plugs to your lighting area
Rockwool Cubes - Traditionally used with hydroponics but can be used in soil afterwards if you require, but please note these cubes don’t break down in the soil
Again soak the Cubes and place your seed in the centre - use a matchstick width implement and push the hole deeper inside the cube - the seed will be able to push through the Rockwool easily to open its leaves
Never! allow your cube to dry out and once done move to your lighting area
There is no need for any light and in the case of the Rockwool cubes it is better without at this stage - make sure your propagator device or area is in the dark and warm to ensure great germination rates
This is the basic explanation of germinating chilli seeds, there are many many different methods and it is more about an art form as well as science and different people get results from different ways - this is mine