I'm getting a bit anxious about my pepper seeds! I planted them 10 days ago, and while one type germinated after 7 days, I'm still waiting on the rest. I'm not using a heat mat, and I'm curious how long I should give them before assuming they're no good. Would trying the paper towel test work for peppers?
3 Answers
Make sure your seeds are in a warm spot! I had a rough time last year with my peppers because my setup was too cold. This year, I used a heat mat and grow lights—some seeds popped in just 3-4 days! The warmth is a game changer.
I actually did the paper towel method with a variety of peppers last season, and it took about a month for all of them to sprout. If your soil isn’t warm enough, they really won’t germinate well, so just keep that in mind.
Peppers can be pretty slow to germinate, so I’d suggest giving them at least another 10 to 14 days. Patience is key here! It’s tough, but they may surprise you if you wait it out a little longer.
Right? Gardening tests my patience more than anything else! I’m glued to my soil too, but I’ll take your advice and sit tight for a while longer.