How to grow strong pepper seedlings: step by step instructions

  • Dec 13, 2020
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It will take a lot of effort and time to grow peppers using the seedling method. In addition, you should carefully study all agrotechnical requirements and adhere to the instructions. The culture needs proper nutrition, optimal lighting and moisture levels.

Before planting seeds for seedlings, it is important to choose the optimal variety that will develop normally in local climatic conditions. Illustration for this article is used under a standard license © ofazende.com
Before planting seeds for seedlings, it is important to choose the optimal variety that will develop normally in local climatic conditions. Illustration for this article is used under a standard license © ofazende.com

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Preparatory work

Before planting seeds for seedlings, it is important to choose the optimal variety that will develop normally in local climatic conditions. When reviewing popular options, pay attention to the ripening time. Depending on this feature, varieties are:

  • Early. Ripening occurs after 80-100 days from the moment the green shoots hatch.
  • Mid-season. Yield 115 days after germination.
  • Late ripening. Ripening of the crop begins on the 130th day from the moment of germination.
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Early and mid-season varieties are suitable for Russian conditions. The former allow you to get tasty fruits in the summer, and the latter provide a stable harvest with the onset of the autumn season.

If we grow strong pepper seedlings in an enclosed space, it is better to stop at medium late varieties of the indeterminate group, ripening after 125 days. They are able to grow the crown, forming large fruits and flower stalks.

Having familiarized yourself with the yield of the crop, one should take into account the shape of the fruit. It happens:

  • Elongated, resembling hot pepper pods.
  • Conical, with walls from 5 mm thick.
  • In the shape of a ball, with thin walls.
  • Cylindrical (or cuboid).

The surface of the fruit has smooth lines or contains soft creases and folds.

If all the requirements are met, the seedlings will feel comfortable and will begin to grow rapidly in a few days. Illustration for this article is used under a standard license © ofazende.com

Sowing subtleties

In order for pepper seedlings to develop normally at all stages, it is important to adhere to generally accepted agrotechnical rules. First of all, it is worth providing a fertile substrate with a suitable acidic reaction and a high concentration of nitrogen and potassium. In the early stages, the sprouts require warmth, abundant lighting, regular feeding, watering and loosening the soil.

If all the requirements are met, the seedlings will feel comfortable and will begin to grow rapidly in a few days.

Sowing dates are indicated by the manufacturer on the seed package. Experienced agronomists recommend sowing planting material for seedlings 60 days before the planned move to open soil.

Since pepper is a thermophilic crop, it is better to plant seedlings in a garden or greenhouse in early June.

Some growers start preparing seedlings even earlier in order to have a gap in time and to re-sow seeds in case of poor germination of the first batch.

Dry seeds should be immersed in moist soil spilled with hot liquid. Then the planting should be covered with a thin film and wait for seedlings to form. This method does not always justify itself, since planting dry seeds can only be done when no doubt about their quality and preliminary antibacterial treatment of the planting material. It is also worth taking care of diving seedlings after the appearance of green shoots.

Do you know how to grow strong pepper seedlings?

Original articleand many other materials, you can find on ourwebsite.

Read about feeding pepper seedlings in the following article:How to feed tomato and pepper seedlings with iodine