Growing Habanero Peppers From Seed

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You will want to start from seed 8-10 weeks before the last expected frost. The earlier you start the more of a chance of success because your plants will be stronger and you will have more time to start more seeds if some do not survive. Place 2-3 seeds in plugs or a seed tray and top with a tiny amount of compost or seedling soil. Water the soil. Follow the seed packet for optimal planting depth. Keeping the soil moist is crucial until the seeds germinate. Seed trays work great for this because the lids hold in the moisture and watering is typically not needed. Keep the seeds in a dark place with a small amount of filtered light until sprouts appear. Then remove the lid and place them on a south-facing window sill. Regular watering will be necessary now however you will want the soil to dry out for a full day between waterings. Occasionally turn the tray so that the habanero plants grow upright. They will lean toward the sun. After 2 leaves have fully developed, snip off all but the strongest seedling in each tray. After 6-8 leaves form, it will be necessary to separate and repot into a larger pot. This is a good time to start fertilizing the seedlings as well.

Place fresh soil or compost into a slightly larger pot no wider than 3 inches. Move the seedling and it's soil to the new pot. It may be necessary to do this again to a larger pot depending on your planting time. You will know you need to go to a larger pot if it grows too tall and starts to fall over. Each time you pot on be sure the next pot is taller and wider than the previous. Plant the seedling to where the soil is nearly up to the leaves.

Once there is no worry of frost, you can plant your habanero pepper plants to your garden or chosen spot. The best time is 2-3 weeks after the last frost when the soil temperature is 60 degrees. You should harden off the seedlings for one week prior to transplanting. Place the seedlings outdoors in a protected area with no direct sunlight for an hour on the first day. Each day increase the amount of time the plant is outside.

Learn More Specifics About Growing Habanero Peppers

• Growing Habanero Peppers from Seed
• Growing Habanero Peppers in the Ground
• When and How to Harvest Your Habanero Peppers

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Welcome/Home | Habanero Pepper Recipes | Growing Habanero Peppers | Preserving Habaneros | About the Habanero | How Hot is a Habanero? | Habanero Cooking Tips | Habanero Pepper FAQ | Our Cookbooks | Contact Us | The Madness Web Sites

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