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Spicy exchange / 2023

How to save pepper seeds for next season (hot and sweet)

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Why save seeds?

Saving pepper seeds offers many advantages, making it rewarding and empowering: - Save money on seeds next year. - Have enough to share with your community. - Develop better climate-adapted varieties

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Free pepper growing guide

Not sure where to start? I've put together a 34-page guide to help you grow an abundant harvest.

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Now that we’ve got you excited about saving those pepper seeds let’s get into the nitty-gritty of how it’s done. Follow these simple steps, and you’ll be a seed-saving pro in no time!

How to save pepper seeds

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Use ripe peppers

Work with fully mature peppers before seed-saving. For instance, if you enjoy jalapeños when they’re green, wait for them to turn red and reach their full maturity before harvesting seeds.

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Start by slicing off the top of the pepper; most seeds will be concentrated near the stem. Then, gently roll the pepper against your cutting surface and shake it upside down to allow the seeds to fall out.

Remove the seeds

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Let the seeds dry

Lay out your harvested seeds on a plate or hard surface (avoid paper towels, as their porous surface may encourage germination rather than drying). Make sure the seeds are in a single layer with space between each. Leave them in a well-ventilated area for about a week to dry.

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Remember to label your seeds! Grab a small glass jar or a ziplock bag and seal your dried seeds inside. Store them in the refrigerator or a cool, dark place.

Label and store them

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Avoiding disease as you save seeds

As a rule of thumb, never save seeds from any plant that has displayed signs of disease. For extra protection against diseases, you may opt to sterilize your seeds before planting.

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To prevent cross-pollination, you want to keep different pepper varieties at least 150 feet apart. However, that’s not always feasible in most home gardens where space is limited. For those keen on preserving the purity of specific pepper varieties, you can use fine mesh bags to isolate the flowers of peppers you wish to save seeds from and hand-pollinate.

What about cross-pollination?

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Get the free guide to growing chili peppers

The "green thumb" is a myth — with the right information, anyone can successfully grow peppers. Enjoy this free 34-page guide to help you grow an abundant harvest.

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