For most of our country, it is a seedling crop, since only the climate of the southern regions allows planting sweet pepper seeds directly into the ground. It should be noted that the plant does not always tolerate transplantation. Based on this, it is recommended to grow seedlings either in pots or sow with an optimal density that excludes picking. There are several ways preliminary preparation sweet pepper seeds for sowing, among which the most demanded are:
Cold hardening;
Germination;
Etching;
Treatment with various growth stimulants.
Also among gardeners, the use of potassium permanganate is especially popular: sweet pepper seeds are disinfected in a 1% solution of this substance. If the temperature conditions throughout the entire germination period remain in the range from 22 to 28 ° C, it is possible to sow with sprouted sweet pepper seeds. This type of sowing is particularly effective, which makes it popular among gardeners. If these conditions are met, red bell peppers emerge very quickly. The determination of the sowing time is carried out by taking into account the age characteristics of the seedlings: for example, early ripening varieties of pepper are recommended for planting in open ground not earlier than 45 days from the day of sowing seeds, mid-season varieties are ready for transplanting on 60-65 days.
It is necessary to start preparing seeds for sowing in February. For this, the completed seeds are selected and their 30-minute disinfection in a 1% solution of potassium permanganate in proportions of 1 g per half a glass of water, after which the seeds of the Bulgarian pepper must be washed. Improving the quality of seedlings and accelerating the emergence of seedlings will be promoted by the use of humate and sodium oxyhumatom, as well as physiological substances that regulate growth. Their preliminary soaking in a solution of wood ash prepared a day before the process will have a positive effect on the condition of the seeds (proportion: 2 tablespoons of ash per liter of warm water). sweet is placed in the above solution in homemade gauze or cloth bags for 3, maximum 6 hours. After soaking, they begin to germinate directly, for which it is required to cover the seeds on top with a damp cloth. The optimum temperature for the comfortable state of the seeds is 20-25 ° C. For effective germination, it is possible to place the seeds in
After 4-5 days, the seeds should become noticeably swollen and partially germinate. If all the conditions have been met, and the end result meets expectations, it is required to sow in pots or boxes with fertile soil, compost or a special mixture of peat - 4/9, black soil - 2/9, sand - 2/9 and wood ash - 1 / nine. The seeds of Bulgarian pepper must be evenly spread in loose soil at a distance of 3 cm from each other in several rows, the intervals between which should be about 6 cm.Then the crops must be sprinkled with a layer of original soil of 1 cm, compacted slightly and watered with water at room temperature. Watering is recommended with great care, so as not to wash the seeds. When the moisture has been absorbed, to prevent the soil from drying out, cover it with a film. The emergence of seedlings requires a temporary decrease in temperature the environment up to 15-17 ° С - for 3-5 days, as well as removing the film. Further, it is recommended to maintain a constant temperature: 20-25 ° С - during the day and 10-13 ° С - at night. At the initial stage of growth, seeds require watering every other day or two, preferably in the morning. Further frequency of watering is determined by the state of the seedlings. In addition, the soil needs to be loosened periodically.
However, if you want to grow bell peppers, then there is nothing difficult, you just need to follow the recommendations.
Growing peppers from seeds at home with a step by step photo
This is southern culture loves warmth and bright sun so it is important to provide it with an appropriate location. However, you should protect from exposure to too bright sun, so as not to burn the weak leaves.
Choosing seeds
When you enter a gardening store, you are faced with a difficult choice: which variety is better.
Important! Not all peppers are suitable for balcony cultivation.
Pay attention to the size of the adult plant. You should also take into account the rate of fruiting. At home, we want to get the fruits as quickly as possible.
We plant
How to grow peppers from seeds at home? After you have chosen the right variety, you should plant the seeds. Many experienced gardeners recommend in a wet wipe or cheesecloth for four days. There are also recommendations to soak them for several hours in a weak solution of potassium permanganate to avoid appearance.
After the seeds have hatched, they must be carefully planted in small containers. For these purposes seedling pots work well for example, or small plastic cups.
Different varieties germinate in different ways, some up to 3 weeks, so you have to be patient.
Attention! Check soil moisture daily. The soil should not dry out, but also not be too wet. You can use a spray bottle to moisten the soil.
Should adhere to temperature regime ... The optimum temperature for germination of pepper seeds is 18-25ºC.
The first shoots have sprung up, what to do next?
After a while, seedlings appear. Now they need create the most optimal conditions... The first is light. If it is not enough, then the plants will begin, and then completely.
Attention! Do not place young seedlings directly under the scorching sun.
It is convenient to use for seedlings. Special lamps for flowers are now on sale, but you can also use daylight, choosing the right amount. Incandescent lamps are not suitable for these purposes - they emit little light, but a lot of heat, which can burn delicate leaves.
Daylight lamps are positioned at a height of about 30 cm, daylight hours should last about 18 hours, but not less than 14 hours. To make it more convenient, you can connect special on / off control timers to the luminaire.
We land on a permanent place
As soon as the pepper seedlings reach 10-15 cm, it must be dropped off at a permanent place... Use large pots or boxes for this purpose: it grows quickly and has an extensive root system.
We carefully take out the sprout. The most convenient and less traumatic for the plant use... Pepper, sprouted in peat tablets, is planted with them in a pot.
Keep in mind that the larger the planting container, the larger the plant will be. As soon as the frost passes, the plant is taken out to the balcony.
If you grow large varieties of bell peppers, then take care of large containers and methods of garter plants.
Soil for pepper and top dressing
Fine suitable soil for seedlings, as well as garden soil... Peppers need a lot of nutrients for good fruiting, so humus is added.
Fertilizers are used only specially designed for vegetable crops.
Remember! You eat the fruits, therefore, it is not recommended to over-water with top dressing.
The safest feeding is humus. You can also mix wood ash with water at the rate of 2 tablespoons per liter.
Watering
The plant needs a regular supply of moisture. Water is used warm, better settled, without chlorine... Do not allow the soil to dry out, otherwise the buds and fruits may begin to fall off.
Growing pepper seedlings on the windowsill
As we remember, pepper is a southern culture. Place it in the lightest and warmest place. Avoid drafts. It is great if the balcony is glazed, so you can avoid the effects of spring frosts.
Growing peppers on a windowsill has its own characteristics: choose the lightest window or provide additional lighting.?
Many peppers can grow and bear fruit in a room for several years. There is an interesting variety, the fruits of which change color depending on the stage of development. Hot peppers come in varying degrees of pungency. The sizes of the fruits also differ. A small-fruited variety is suitable for the kitchen; it will also be a decoration of the room and an excellent seasoning for dishes.
In general, it is not difficult. The most important thing is to germinate the seedlings correctly, choose a large container and ensure the maximum supply of light.
So, today we looked at how to grow pepper seedlings on the windowsill, what nuances should be taken into account? But growing peppers on the balcony is much easier, so we recommend this method for novice gardeners.
Useful video
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There are certain rules for growing hot peppers at home.
Sowing seeds is best done in February. This requires about a two-liter clean container, which should be treated with boiling water. Lay the drainage in the form of expanded clay at the bottom of the pot, but crushed stone or charcoal is also suitable. On top of the drainage, we fill in the soil, consisting of humus, leafy earth and sand in a ratio of 5: 3: 2. Before planting the seeds, the soil must be spilled with boiling water and after it has cooled down, sow 2-3 peppercorns, soaked in advance and already swollen, into small holes 1-1.5 cm.
Cover the pot with the planted grains with plastic or glass and place in a warm place. When sprouts appear in 5-7 days, move the pot to a sunny window spot. When the first true leaves appear, the peppers can be cut into separate pots, and it is better to remove the extra ones so as not to disturb the roots.
When the plant grows up to 20 cm, pinch the top of the head. This is necessary for better branching of the bush, in which the fruits will form.
Do not forget to water the plant regularly and periodically feed your pet with fertilizers, then you will definitely wait for the harvest on your windowsill.
The way to get fruits by May
Observing the development of homemade pepper, amateurs from the Ivanovo region came to an interesting conclusion that in our northern conditions it is possible to change the maturation of pepper on the windowsill. They use springtime ones filled with bright sunbeams days for flowering and ripening of fruits.
Peppers are sown in the fall in bowls on the windowsill. They create not very comfortable conditions for the pepper, so that it does not have time to pick flowers in the period before the New Year, so that it does not exhaust its strength for growth in the darkest "dead" days. So the plant is saved from stretching the shoots. At the moment when the days begin to arrive, the pepper is transferred to a light window (east or south). The plant soon blooms and produces an average of 10 beautiful pods. Yes, the fruits are such heroes, which never happened before the fall.
And immediately after the crop is harvested, the plant throws out a couple more vigorous shoots and blooms again. By the second half of September, another crop is ripening, with only three of the 20 pods being small. Thus, about 30 pods are removed from one bush per season, almost 5 times higher than the average yield!
The main secret of a high yield is that by the time of the very first flowering (at the beginning of February), the autumn sowing season pepper has time to develop good powerful roots. Starting from March and ending with the beginning of October, that is, during the period of abundant sunshine, the pepper actively sets the fruits and uses the strength to pour them.
A fertile plant can not be thrown away in the fall, let it go before winter. In winter, at the beginning of January, it must be transplanted into a new substrate, cut off the old shoots in half, then transfer the pot to a light window (east or south). Such care can bring up to three harvests per season.
On a note
When planting peppers, it is still better not to dive them, as they react painfully to a transplant. And they have a good attitude towards transshipment. When the seedlings disperse, just pinch off the extra weak seedlings. Yet important point- do not miss the time when the roots begin to squeeze in the pot and sprout out.
Peat pots are by far the best for seedlings. For normal growth, the peppers are transferred into spacious containers and pots 30-50 cm high. Be sure to put drainage on the bottom of the planting containers (a layer of expanded clay, broken brick).
Sometimes, to support ripening fruits, they put props, spray the bushes with warm, settled water from the spider mite.
To receive good harvest peppers are recommended to be grown in two trunks, constantly forming them with a pinch. A strong shoot is left on each stem, and the weak ones pinch over the first leaf. Although peppers are self-pollinated like tomatoes, it is better to shake the plants periodically so that pollination is more effective.
Pepper is the same perennial as cherry tomatoes, the bush can delight you with a harvest for five whole years. Sweet bell peppers can be grown in the same way on the windowsill. Imagine what a pleasure it is to watch a ripe pod pouring in front of your eyes when the weather is “bad” outside the window!
How to germinate pepper seeds correctly
Most gardeners, when planting pepper seeds, soak them. The main purpose of such a procedure is to awaken the vitality of the seeds from sleep, and also to reduce the content essential oils that can impede the rapid emergence of seedlings. The implementation of this procedure does not present any difficulty, so all gardeners, without exception, can easily perform it.
For soaking, you will need to use settled or melted water (snow). The soaking process usually lasts at least a day.
You will need a flat wide dish, on which the used seed is placed in several layers and poured over with water. It is recommended to spread the seed on a damp cloth, with the water slightly covering the cloth. Otherwise, the seeds may suffocate, which will reduce the number of shoots.
Certain difficulties can arise in the presence of dry air in the room, which leads to rapid evaporation of moisture from wide dishes. In this case, you will need to regularly add water or place the dishes in a plastic bag. But at the same time, in no case tie the bag, since without air, the seeds can quickly suffocate.
Pepper seeds are soaked for 24 hours at room temperature. Experienced vegetable growers recommend changing the water to fresh, settled every 8-10 hours. Performing this procedure will allow you to significantly increase germination rates.
If, without soaking, when growing seedlings, the first shoots usually appear on 15-20 days, then by performing such a soaking, you can get friendly shoots for 5-7 days. This significantly speeds up the cultivation of seedlings and the receipt of the subsequent harvest.
Soaking seeds in a growth promoter
Many gardeners perform seed soaking not in plain water, but in growth stimulants. This allows to guarantee the rapid growth of seedlings, and also improves the similarity rates of this vegetable crop.
Bulgarian pepper is unpretentious plant, which grows in southern latitudes without any problems. The difficulties of growing this crop in conditions middle lane and to the north are associated with the long growing season of the plant. If you know how to properly plant peppers for seedlings, then you can get a bountiful harvest not only in the greenhouse, but also in the open field.
Even the earliest variety of bell pepper has a growing season of up to 140 days, and the time from germination to ripening of the crop is at least 90 days. Plus, the germination of seeds - the germination time is from 10 days to 1 month.
Thus, if you have seeds of an early or mid-season variety, then sowing bell peppers for seedlings should be no later than mid-February (northern regions), early March (middle strip).
Germination rate of bell pepper seeds depending on air temperature:
- 26-28 ºC - 8-10 days;
- 20-24 ºC - 13-17 days;
- 18-20 ºC - 18-20 days;
- 14-15 ºC - up to 1 month;
The process of seed germination can be accelerated by their preliminary soaking and preparation.
Seed preparation
The preparation of seeds for sowing consists in their disinfection, stimulation and soaking.
Before starting preparation, low-weight seeds should be discarded, since they will grow weak plants or they will not germinate at all. For this, the existing seed is poured into the water. After a few minutes, discard all the seeds that remain on the surface of the water. The work continues with the drowned, which means full-bodied, seed material.
Disinfection of seed material is carried out with a solution of potassium permanganate (in the common people potassium permanganate). To do this, a slightly pink solution is diluted, in which the seeds are immersed for a couple of hours. Non-chemical disinfection method is heating in hot water (50 ºC) for 20 minutes. Then the seeds are immediately cooled in cold water.
Stimulation and feeding are carried out with special means such as Epin (Humate, Zircon). The existing drug is dissolved in water strictly according to the instructions, since an overdose is extremely harmful. The seeds of bell pepper, which were removed from the potassium permanganate solution, are transferred into the resulting solution. In "feeding" the material is kept for 20-30 minutes. Then they are washed and soaked for germination.
Germination is conveniently carried out between two cotton pads. To do this, the seeds are laid out on the surface of the disc and covered with another one. The top disc can be signed ballpoint pen if you want to plant several varieties of pepper. The discs should be wetted sparingly. Fully filled seeds will "suffocate" and die.
As soon as the peppers hatch, they need to be planted in the ground. A visible sprout should not be allowed - it will easily break off during sowing. The germination stage can be skipped, but this will somewhat delay the germination time.
Note! Seeds that are pretreated by the manufacturer do not need pre-sowing manipulations. On the bag of such seed is written "Do not soak!" Follow this guideline - soaking these seeds will damage the Nutrient and Protective Capsule.
Preparing the soil for sowing seedlings
Sow Bell pepper it is possible in "purchased" soil, in peat tablets or in self-prepared soil. Experienced gardeners believe that at least 50% of the land for seedlings should be from their own garden. This is explained by the fact that the plant "gets used to getting" food from a certain soil mixture. A radical change of soil when planting seedlings from "purchased" land into the garden delays the development of the plant for a long time.
Requirements for seedling soil:
- neutral or slightly acidic environment;
- sufficient organic content for "looseness" and moisture retention;
- sufficient nutrient content;
It is not difficult to create such a soil mixture. Have to take:
- two pieces of garden land;
- one part of peat or special soil for seedlings;
- one part of humus, compost or top layer (10 cm) of meadow soil;
To increase the nutritional value and adjust the acidity, add to it per 10 liters of soil:
- furnace ash (who has) - a handful;
- lime (who has no ash) - a handful;
- double superphosphate - 2 matchboxes;
Top dressing with potash and nitrogen fertilizers is best done later, when watering seedlings.
Note! The prepared soil mixture must be spilled with a weak solution of potassium permanganate for disinfection. The second way to kill pathogens in the garden soil is to preheat it to 60 ºC.
Methods of sowing pepper for seedlings
There are several ways to plant bell peppers in seedlings:
- Classic - pepper is sown in a "common" container and subsequently dived into a larger container or separate pots.
- In ready-made cassettes - sow 1-2 seeds without picking.
- In peat tablets - 1 seed is sown without picking.
- In rolls - in rolls of toilet paper, followed by planting young sprouts in large containers or separate pots.
Note! The best results are obtained by growing bell pepper seedlings without picking, planting in separate containers. Pepper, unlike tomatoes, does not tolerate transplanting well, is sick for a long time and stunted in growth.
Growing seedlings in peat tablets
For germination of peppers, tablets with a diameter of 3-4 cm are suitable. They are placed on the bottom of a large container and filled with water. As soon as the tablets have ceased to absorb water, the excess is poured out.
In the center of the formed cylinder (and it "grows" when it swells), put a seed to a depth of about 0.5 cm. Place the container in a warm place. To retain moisture, the top is tightened with cling film or polyethylene.
The mini greenhouse should be ventilated for at least 1 hour a day. Watering is carried out by the grass roots method as the peat dries up. After the sprouts appear, the cylinders are moved into separate containers with the prepared soil mixture.
The mesh that envelops the peat cylinder prevents the lump from disintegrating and the root system of the pepper is not injured. Further care consists in timely watering and lighting.
Note! If you do not want to transfer the seedlings to pots, then you should buy tablets with a diameter of 7 cm. In such cylinders, the pepper will not need additional soil.
Growing seedlings in cassettes
Growing seedlings in cassettes or individual pots with a volume of 250-500 ml gives high-quality seedlings. You can sow germinated seeds one at a time, dry ones are better in two in one container, followed by the removal of a weaker plant. The seed is buried 1 cm into the soil and watered.
Cassettes are placed on the south or west window, or under a lamp. It is important that the air temperature is at least 25 ºC. As the seedlings grow, soil is poured into the pot. Watering in cassettes is carried out by the bottom method - water is poured into the sump. Seedling pots are usually watered in the classical way.
The classic home-grown method of growing seedlings
The "grandfather's" way of growing pepper seedlings at home has a right to exist and even has some advantages:
- When sowing in a general container, seed germination is not particularly important.
- Sowing in small dishes is convenient.
- When diving seedlings, weak plants are rejected.
- If you follow the timing and agrotechnology of the dive, then the pepper will tolerate it relatively well.
- Planting in the "native" land will not let the plants get sick and get used to the new soil for a long time after planting in the greenhouse.
For sowing, take a small container with earth and sow seeds thickly to a depth of 0.5 cm. Water the earth, tighten the top with a film and put the container in a warm place. After the emergence of sprouts for a day (two), the seedlings are transferred to a warm window. As soon as the sprouts turn dark green, the first real leaf will hatch - you need to dive them.
The box for picking (if there are no separate containers, which is preferable) should be at least 12-15 cm deep. Seedlings are watered several hours before transplanting. Seedlings are planted at a distance of 10-15 cm, preferably staggered.
Landing in twists (in Moscow)
Sowing seeds for germination between tapes of toilet paper has not been so long ago. There are adherents and opponents of this method. The main advantage of this method of seed germination is compactness.
The technology is as follows:
- A cellophane tape is placed on the table (it is convenient to use a food bag cut lengthwise).
- Toilet paper is laid on top and sprinkled with water from a hand-held spray bottle (important! The edges of the paper and cellophane must match).
- Seeds are placed on a tape of cheap (it is thicker and rougher) toilet paper at a distance of 2-3 cm from each other and from the top edge of the paper at the same distance
- Cover the seeds with a layer of paper, moisturize well.
- Roll up into a weak roll, effortlessly.
- They put the twist in a container, at the bottom of which a little water is poured.
- Remove the structure in a warm place.
As soon as sprouts appear, the twist is transferred to a lighted place. Planting in the ground for seedlings is carried out with two developed cotyledon leaves. The roll is unwound and cut with scissors into separate fragments with sprouts. The seedlings are planted in a permanent container, where they will develop before being planted in the garden.
Growing seedlings at home is not too troublesome with a certain skill. Observe the terms and agricultural techniques, give the seedlings light and warmth - the bell pepper will delight you with the harvest until frost.
Provides fast, firm and uniform emergence.
Let's figure out how to prepare pepper seeds for planting seedlings step by step.
Checking pepper seeds for germination
Branded pepper seeds germinate within a strict standard: about 80% for first class seeds and about 60% for second class seeds. That is, out of 100 pieces, only 60-80 will be viable. This should be taken into account when purchasing seed.
6-6.7 grams contains about 1000 seeds of this culture. Pepper seeds remain viable for two to three years. But I advise you to sow peppers with fresh seeds only.
Many companies carry out seed treatment themselves - they disinfect, cover with a nutritious and protective shell. Such seeds are not gently subject to any preparation. Otherwise, you will remove from the skin all substances designed to protect young plants from diseases and pests.
Therefore, before starting processing, carefully study the annotations on the bags. If the seeds are already prepared, sow them dry.
Disinfection of pepper seeds
The first stage of working with the seeds of this vegetable is. It is carried out in several ways, but the simplest and most affordable is disinfection in a solution of potassium permanganate.
To do this, dissolve a teaspoon of this substance in 600 milliliters of hot water. You will receive a 1% solution of potassium permanganate of a deep burgundy, almost black color. The seeds are placed in it for 25 to 30 minutes. Then they are immediately and thoroughly washed under running water.
And do not be alarmed if the seeds turn black after such treatment - this will not affect their quality in any way!
And also pepper seeds are very fond of hot water "bath". It is easier to arrange it - easy.
- Pour 50-60 degrees water into a wide mug.
- Add the seeds, cover the container with a lid and wait 15-20 minutes.
- Good, full-bodied seeds will sink to the bottom of the cup, while hollow, unusable specimens will float on the surface of the water.
Thus, you will kill two birds with one stone - and disinfect the seeds, and hold.
You can also steam the seeds in a low-rise soup thermos. Then they are packed in canvas bags, poured into a thermos hot water... The seeds are immersed in a thermos for 20-25 minutes, then dipped in a bowl of cold water for 2-3 minutes.
How to prepare pepper seeds for sowing - soaking
Soaking pepper seeds has three goals: it helps early awakening, allows you to get healthier and more powerful sprouts, and increases the quantity and quality of fruits in such plants.
- A liter of lukewarm water, 0.5-1 tablespoon, ½ teaspoon of nitrophosphate; holding time - 5-6 hours.
- 100 milliliters of water, 10-20 milligrams of potassium humate or 2 milligrams of potassium oxyhumate or 4-6 milligrams succinic acid; holding time - 6 hours.
- A liter of melt or magnetic water, ½ teaspoon boric acid, a teaspoon of nitrophosphate, ½ teaspoon of boric acid; holding time - 8-10 hours.
- 500 milliliters of water, ½ teaspoon of baking soda or honey; holding time - 8 hours.
- The juice of leaves that have been in the refrigerator for 5-7 days; holding time - 7-8 hours.
Look for even more options for nutrient solutions with my comments on their effectiveness.
And a few more important notes regarding seed soaking:
- place the bowls with seeds in a place where the temperature does not drop below +22 degrees (ideally + 25 ... 28 degrees);
- Pour water twice as much by the volume of seeds, but the layer of water above the seeds should not exceed 0.5 centimeters;
- stir the seeds in a saucer every 2-3 hours - this stimulates the flow of fresh air and facilitates the removal of metabolic products formed during the respiration of the seeds.
How to germinate pepper seeds correctly
After processing with nutrient solutions, pepper seeds are soaked to swell. After that, you can immediately start sowing or continue working with the seed.
So, the swollen pepper seeds:
- hardened and sown;
- harden and germinate;
- or just germinate.
Let's take a look at how to germinate pepper seeds.
After you have rinsed them out of the remaining nutrient medium, transfer them to moistened cotton or linen napkins. Roll the fabric into loose rolls. Place the rolls on a kitchen tray with plastic bags on both sides. Place the tray closer to the hot battery - it is optimal if the temperature in this place will be from +25 to +28 degrees.
Thus, the seeds will receive enough air, but they will almost not lose moisture.
At the optimum temperature, it takes only 12-14 hours for pepper seeds to swell, and sprouts in 10-20% of seeds appear already in 3-7 days.
Seeds are sown in pots when 80-90% will acquire white roots.
Do not forget to regularly, at least once a day, rinse the napkins clean water... This is done so that the seeds do not sour and germinate more amicably.
Hardening pepper seeds
If you are hardening pepper seeds, you need to harden the seedlings themselves!
How my mother and I grow pepper seedlings from seed treatment to planting under film, see the video.
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