- Germination: Peppers need heat and light to germinate. Use mini incubators, sunny window ledges, or heating mats. Try the double cup method: Place a cup with holes inside another, fill with rich soil, water generously, and plant seeds 1/4 inch deep. Cover with plastic wrap for a mini greenhouse effect. Avoid overwatering to prevent seed rot. Germination takes 7 days to 4-6 weeks.
- Maintenance: Mist soil as needed and keep seeds warm and/or sunny. Avoid fertilizing at this stage. For incubators, open the lid every 2 days for air circulation. Balance moisture carefully—too wet or too dry can harm sprouts.
- Seedlings: When seedlings reach 6-8 leaves or 3-4 inches, transplant to pots with compost. Handle roots gently, compact soil lightly, and water thoroughly. Begin feeding with a low-strength fertilizer and gradually increase as plants grow. Maintain temperature around 80 degrees Fahrenheit for best results.
- Transplanting Outside: For outdoor planting, “harden off” plants by gradually exposing them to sunlight over 1-2 weeks, increasing time daily. Start with 30-60 minutes in the sun, recover in the shade, and ensure abundant watering. Fully acclimated plants can handle 8 hours of sun without wilting.
- For additional in depth instructions please visit our FAQ page at: https://bohicapepperhut.com/pages/faqs