Pepper Seeds for Sale from Gurney's
With our Gardening Guarantee, we ensure that you can trust that we provide top-quality peppers. Our wide-selection of pepper seeds are easy to grow and pack incredible flavor.
How to Save Pepper Seeds
To store pepper seeds, collect them on a clean, dry paper towel and place them in a dry indoor space. The seeds can take several days to fully dry out. Once the seeds feel dry to the touch, move them to an airtight bag or sealed glass container and store in a dark, dry location with a temperature range of 35-50 degrees Fahrenheit. Properly stored pepper seeds can survive for up to 2 years.
How to plant pepper seeds?
Fill each cell of the seed tray with damp, nutrient-rich soil. If you are planting new seeds, plant only one seed in a cell. Old seeds tend to have a lower germination rate, so it's best to plant 2-3 of them in each cell. Sow the seeds at a depth of ¼-1/2 inch, cover them with soil and apply water.
When to start pepper seeds indoors?
You can start pepper seeds indoors 6-8 weeks prior to the final frost date for your region.
Find your growing zone with our hardiness map, based on the average annual winter temperatures in a region.
How long does it take for pepper seeds to germinate?
The germination period for pepper seeds varies with the variety. Seeds of faster-growing pepper varieties can germinate in 7-10 days. The seeds of slower-growing peppers can take 4-6 weeks to germinate.
How to grow pepper plants
To grow pepper plants, begin by planting seeds indoors 8-10 weeks before the last expected frost date. Use a seed-starting mix, keeping the soil moist and warm, ideally between 70-85°F (21-29°C). Once the seedlings develop two to three true leaves, transplant them into larger containers. Gradually expose the plants to outdoor conditions for a week to harden them off before moving them into the garden. Select a sunny location with well-drained soil enriched with organic matter. Space the plants 18-24 inches apart. Water regularly, ensuring the soil remains consistently moist but not waterlogged, and apply mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Pepper plants thrive with regular feeding, so use a balanced fertilizer or compost throughout the growing season.
Are pepper plants easy to grow?
Pepper plants are relatively easy to grow, making them a popular choice for both novice and experienced gardeners. They thrive in warm conditions and require minimal care once established. With proper planting, regular watering, and adequate sunlight, pepper plants can produce a bountiful harvest. They are fairly resistant to pests and diseases, especially when grown in well-drained soil with good air circulation. However, they do require consistent warmth and can be sensitive to temperature fluctuations. In cooler climates, starting seeds indoors and transplanting after the last frost is essential. With a bit of attention to their specific needs, pepper plants can be a rewarding and straightforward addition to any garden.
What pests and insects are common on pepper plants? Aphids: These small, soft-bodied insects suck sap from the plant, causing leaves to curl and yellow.
Spider Mites: Tiny arachnids that create fine webs on the undersides of leaves, leading to stippled, discolored foliage.
Thrips: Minute, slender insects that feed on plant tissues, resulting in silvering or stippling of the leaves and fruit.
Whiteflies: Small, white-winged insects that cluster on the undersides of leaves, causing yellowing and stunted growth.
Cutworms: Larvae that cut through plant stems at the soil level, often killing young plants.
Pepper Maggots: Larvae that tunnel into pepper fruits, causing internal damage and making the fruit inedible.
Flea Beetles: Tiny, jumping beetles that chew small holes in the leaves, leading to a characteristic "shotgun" appearance.
Hornworms: Large, green caterpillars that can quickly defoliate a plant if not controlled.
Regular monitoring and early intervention with appropriate organic or chemical controls can help manage these pests and protect pepper plants from significant damage.
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