Everything at the right time - then it works better
Preferring peppers yourself before the beginning of March is not worthwhile. Because when there is a lack of light, the seedlings form long-stemmed, weak shoots, the cotyledons of which suffer from a lack of chlorophyll. That is, they die. For the preculture in the room: everything at the right time!
also read
- Pull peppers yourself - from seed to pod
- This is how green peppers turn red - proven methods of ripening peppers
- Paprika sowing - it works better this way
At the right time, preferring peppers offers several benefits. The plants bloom earlier and deliver pods that are ready for harvest faster. In addition, the pepper seedlings are protected from wind, weather and snail attacks.
What do you need to pull up on the windowsill?
- Seed trays or nursery pots
- Cultivation soil or substrate
- germinable pepper seeds
- Mini watering can or spray bottle
- Mini greenhouse or foil
The best start for your paprika preculture
You can use yogurt pots or pots made from peat, coconut, or egg cartons. Compostable containers are particularly practical because they can be used to plant the young plants directly later without damaging the root ball. Special seed compost is suitable for filling the containers. This is finer-crumbly and poor in nutrients than potting soil and activates root growth.
The substrate should be moistened, but not dripping wet. Sow peppers in doses by placing 1 to 3 pepper seeds in each container. Cover the seeds thinly with sieved soil and spray with warm water. To ensure the required warm, humid climate, place the seedlings in the greenhouse or covered with foil in a south-facing window. If the windowsill is cold, place a heating mat under the preculture. The ideal soil temperature for germination is 25 degrees. Now briefly ventilate the bell pepper seedlings every day to prevent mold formation. And then? Just wait and see ;-).
What to do when the first seedlings sprout
The germination time depends on the quality of the pepper seeds and external conditions such as light, temperature and humidity. 2 to 3 weeks later, when the first pair of cotyledons appear, remove the cover. Now it is important to keep the substrate moist without waterlogging. Because both waterlogging and drought are deadly for the tender seedlings. After the last night frosts, the peppers can be planted in the garden. For this, select the optimal location with sufficient planting distance in good time.
Tips & Tricks
Weed out pupils who are weak or malformed. They are not suitable for cultivation. Put powerful young plants a few hours longer outside to harden.
