Hot peppers can add spice to both your culinary dishes and your collection of garden or indoor plants. Due to its versatility, growing hot peppers from seeds is suitable for both experienced gardeners and beginners. Let’s explore all stages from starting pepper seeds to caring for mature plants both outdoors and in containers.
Table of contents
Seed selection and preparation
Popular hot pepper varieties
There are over 3,000 cultivated varieties of chili peppers. The classification of hot peppers is based on characteristics such as color, aroma, shape, and heat level, measured on the Scoville scale developed by American chemist Wilbur Scoville in SHU (Scoville Heat Units). This indicator shows the amount of capsaicin, the alkaloid that determines the variety’s heat. Let’s look at the most popular types of hot peppers:
Type | Color | Shape | Aroma | Heat (SHU) | Features |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Jalapeño | Green, Red | Conical | Fruity, slightly grassy | 2,500 – 8,000 | Versatile, used fresh, pickled, dried |
Chili | Various (Red, Green, Yellow) | Long, pod-like | Fruity, spicy | Wide range (medium to very high) | Used for sauces, seasonings, marinades |
Cayenne | Red | Long, pod-like | Smoky, spicy | 30,000 – 50,000 | Among the spiciest varieties |
Thai Dragon | Green, Red | Long, thin | Fruity, citrusy | 100,000 – 250,000 | Very spicy, aromatic, used in Thai cuisine |
Trinidad Scorpion | Red, Orange | Round | Fruity, citrusy | 1,000,000 – 2,000,000 | Among the hottest varieties in the world, aromatic |
Habanero | Yellow, Orange, Red | Conical | Fruity, citrusy | 100,000 – 350,000 | Very spicy, aromatic, used in Mexican cuisine |
Ghost Pepper | Green, Yellow, Red | Rough, bumpy | Fruity, citrusy | 1,000,000 – 2,000,000 | Among the hottest in the world, aromatic |
Scotch Bonnet | Red, Orange | Round | Fruity, citrusy | 1,000,000 – 2,000,000 | Very spicy, aromatic, used in Jamaican cuisine |
Serrano | Green, Red | Rounded | Grassy, slightly fruity | 10,000 – 23,000 | Moderate heat, used in Mexican cuisine |
Carolina Reaper | Red | Rounded | Fruity, citrusy | Up to 2,200,000 | One of the hottest in the world, aromatic |
Hungarian Wax | Yellow, Red | Long, pod-like | Sweet, fruity | Relatively mild | Used for canning, salads |
Poblano | Green (dried – Ancho) | Large, heart-shaped | Earthy, nutty | 1,000 – 1,500 | Used for chili con carne, sauces |

How to choose pepper seeds?
Selecting quality seeds is one of the most crucial steps in growing peppers seeds. The success of germination, plant health, and ultimately your harvest depends on it.
Seed quality
- Freshness: ensure seeds aren’t expired. Check production date and shelf life
- Producer: choose seeds from reputable manufacturers who provide detailed variety information and guarantee high germination rates
- Packaging: should be intact, undamaged, with all necessary information about variety, producer, storage conditions, etc.
Variety selection
- Climate conditions: choose varieties adapted to your USDA growing zone
- Purpose: determine how you’ll use the peppers: fresh consumption, preserving, cooking
- Heat level: select varieties with desired spiciness

Starting hot peppers from seed
Before sowing, it’s recommended to prepare seeds to improve germination rates.
Soaking:
- Place seeds in warm water (77-86°F) for 8-12 hours
- This helps seeds absorb moisture and germinate faster
Germination:
- After soaking, place seeds on moist cloth or cotton pads in a warm place
- Pepper seeds germinate in 3-5 days
- This helps identify viable seeds and speeds up emergence
Disinfection:
- Treat seeds with a weak potassium permanganate solution to prevent diseases
- This helps eliminate pathogens that might be present on seed surfaces
Important: not all pepper varieties require pre-sowing preparation. Some varieties germinate well without soaking and pre-sprouting. Always check the seed package instructions before starting.
Sowing seeds and caring for hot pepper seedlings
When to startseeds?
The optimal time for starting peppers from seeds is February-March, depending on your region. For greenhouse conditions or outdoor growing in warmer zones (USDA zones 8-11), aim for mid-February. For indoor growing or outdoor planting in cooler zones (USDA zones 4-7), late March is better.
Sowing technique:
- Planting depth: 0.2-0.4 inches
- Growing medium: Light, nutrient-rich potting soil
- Germination conditions: 77-86°F, high humidity, moderate light

Transplanting seedlings
Once hot pepper seedlings develop 2-3 true leaves, it’s time for transplanting. This process involves carefully moving each seedling with its root ball into individual pots, burying them up to their cotyledon leaves. Transplanting stimulates root system development, making plants stronger and better prepared for outdoor planting.

Feeding hot pepper seedlings
Supporting your seedlings with proper nutrition is crucial when growing hot pepper plants. Use balanced mineral fertilizers specifically designed for vegetable seedlings. The first feeding should be done 10-14 days after transplanting, followed by feeding every 10-14 days until outdoor planting.
Important: don’t overfeed seedlings as this can burn roots. Always follow fertilizer package instructions.

Popular fertilizers for hot pepper seedlings:
- All-purpose balanced fertilizer (10-10-10)
- Water-soluble fertilizer with micronutrients
- Specialized vegetable seedling fertilizers
- Organic options: diluted fish emulsion or seaweed fertilizer
Planting hot pepper plants outdoors or in containers
Location selection
For growing peppers in the open field, choose a spot with full sun exposure throughout most of the day. The area should be protected from strong winds that could damage plants. Soil should be fertile, well-draining, and slightly acidic (pH 6.0-6.8).
For growing hot peppers on the windowsill or in containers (hot peppers in a pot), use large containers (10-12 inches diameter) with drainage holes. Place your flowerpot pepper on a south-facing windowsill or protected balcony. Hot peppers need 12-14 hours of light. For indoor pepper growing, use grow lights if natural light is insufficient.

Soil preparation
Growing peppers at home requires proper soil preparation:
- Outdoor soil: till to 8-10 inches deep. Add organic matter (compost, aged manure) and balanced fertilizer according to package instructions.
- Containers: use quality potting mix or create your own by mixing garden soil, compost, and sand in a 2:1:1 ratio.
Planting technique
For outdoor planting:
- Dig holes 4-6 inches deep
- Carefully transplant seedlings with their root ball
- Plant to cotyledon level
- Water thoroughly with warm water
- Space plants 12-16 inches apart for compact varieties, 20-24 inches for larger varieties

For container growing:
- Add drainage layer (pebbles or broken pottery)
- Fill container with potting mix
- Create planting hole and transplant seedling
- Space according to container size
Tips:
- Water planting holes thoroughly before transplanting
- Mulch around plants with straw or organic mulch to retain moisture
- In cooler regions, use row covers for frost protection
Common problems with growing hot peppers
Issue | Symptoms | Cause | Control Methods |
---|---|---|---|
Late Blight | Brown spots on leaves that soften and develop a white mold. Fruits rot. | Dense planting, high humidity, sudden temperature changes, infected plant material. | Treat with fungicides per instructions. Remove and destroy affected plants. Rotate crops. Preventative fungicide treatments. |
Verticillium Wilt | Wilting plants, yellowing leaves, darkened vascular tissue. | Infected soil, high temperatures, plant injuries. | Replace contaminated soil. Treat with fungicides as directed. Rotate crops. Use healthy planting material. |
Aphids | Leaf deformation, sticky secretions, stunted growth. | Dry air, insufficient watering, infested neighboring plants. | Treat with insecticides as directed. Spray with soap solution. Use biological control (e.g., predator insects). |
Spider Mites | Fine webbing on leaves, yellowing and leaf dieback. | Dry air, high temperature. | Spray with water (especially under leaves). Apply miticides per instructions. |
Whiteflies | Small white flies, sticky residue on leaves, yellow spots. | High temperature, high humidity. | Use yellow sticky traps. Treat with insecticides as directed. |
Thrips | Silvery streaks on leaves, deformed buds and flowers. | High temperature, dry air. | Treat with insecticides as directed. Use biological control (e.g., predatory bugs). |
Slugs | Damage to leaves and fruits. | Moist weather, dense plantings. | Hand-pick slugs. Place traps with alcohol or beer. Mulch with crushed shells or sawdust. |
Picking hot peppers and storage
When to harvest?
Hot peppers are ready for harvest when they reach their variety’s characteristic color. This could be red, orange, yellow, or even purple. Test one pepper – if it has reached desired heat level, you can harvest the entire crop. Usually, harvesting begins in August-September and continues until first frost.
Storage methods
How to properly dry hot reppers:
- String drying:
- Gather peppers with stems attached
- Hang in dry, dark place
- Oven drying:
- Slice peppers into rings or strips
- Dry at 110-120°F, turning occasionally
Freezing (frozen peppers retain most nutrients and are ready to use anytime):
- Wash, dry, and remove stems and seeds
- Cut into pieces or leave whole
- Flash freeze on a tray, then transfer to airtight containers or bags
Pickling (pickled peppers have bright flavor and aroma, store well):
- Prepare brine with vinegar, salt, sugar, and spices to taste
- Pack peppers into sterilized jars, cover with brine
- Process according to safe canning guidelines
Canning
Besides pickling, peppers can be preserved in their own juice or tomato sauce.


Growing hot peppers from seed can be a rewarding experience for anyone. Following these basic guidelines for seed selection, seedling care, proper lighting, and fertilization will help ensure a healthy harvest of spicy peppers. Whether you’re growing hot peppers on the windowsill or growing peppers in the open field, proper care and attention to detail will lead to success.
For indoor growers, remember that growing peppers at home or maintaining hot peppers in a pot requires consistent attention to light, water, and feeding schedules. Your indoor pepper plants can provide fresh peppers year-round with proper care.
When deciding when to sow peppers in February, consider your local climate and whether you’re growing indoors or out. For starting hot peppers from seed, timing is crucial to ensure strong plants ready for the growing season.
Remember that successful pepper plants germination depends on maintaining proper temperature and moisture levels. Once your pepper seeds germinate, provide adequate light and nutrients to develop strong seedlings that will grow into productive plants.
Whether you choose to grow mild varieties or the hottest peppers available, these guidelines will help you succeed in your hot pepper growing adventure.