CAPSICUM – शिमला मिर्च (50 Seed)

Sowing chilli seeds is easy and rewarding, whether you’re growing spicy green chillies, red mirch, or sweet peppers. The key is warmth, light, and patience, since chillies take a little longer to germinate than some other vegetables.

🌶️ HOW TO SOW CHILLI SEEDS – STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE

📅 Best Time to Sow

• Warm-season crop
• In India/Pakistan:                     
• • • November for winter crop
    • Jan–March for summer crop
    • June–July for monsoon crop
  • Needs temperatures around 25–32°C (77–90°F) for germination.

📦 What You Need:

• Chilli seeds (desi varieties)
• Seed trays, small pots, or cups
• Seed starting mix (light and well-draining)
  • Or: 50% cocopeat + 30% compost + 20% sand
• Spray bottle or watering can
• Cling film or a humidity dome (optional)
• Warm, bright spot (or heat mat)

🌱 STEP-BY-STEP: HOW TO SOW CHILLI SEEDS

1. Soak the Seeds (Optional but Recommended)

• Soak seeds in warm water for 8–12 hours before planting.
• This softens the seed coat and speeds up germination.

2. Prepare Containers

• Fill seed trays or small pots with moist seed starting mix.
• Lightly press the soil but don’t compact it.

3. Sow the Seeds

• Make a hole about 0.5–1 cm (¼–½ inch) deep.
• Place 1 seed per cell or pot, cover lightly with soil.
• Mist with water gently.

4. Create Warm, Humid Conditions

• Cover trays with cling film or a plastic dome to keep moisture in.
• Place in a warm area (25–32°C). A heat mat can help.
• Avoid direct sunlight during germination — use bright, indirect light.

5. Water Carefully

• Use a spray bottle to keep the soil moist — not wet or dry.
• Water once a day or as needed.

6. Germination Time

• Chilli seeds take 7–20 days to sprout.
  • Some varieties (especially hot chillies) may take longer.

7. After Germination

• Remove plastic cover when seedlings appear.
• Move them to a spot with 6–8 hours of sunlight or under a grow light.
• Keep the soil moist and protect from wind or heavy rain.

8. Transplanting

• After 4–6 weeks, when seedlings are about 10–15 cm tall and have 3–4 leaves:
  • Transplant into larger pots (at least 10–12 inches deep) or into garden soil.
  • Keep 30–45 cm (12–18 inches) between plants.

🌿 CARE AFTER TRANSPLANTING

🔥 When to Harvest?

• Green chillies: Harvest 60–90 days after transplanting
• Red chillies: Leave pods to fully mature and turn red on the plant