Seed Saving: Peppers
Peppers are one of the easiest varieties to save seed from. The two biggest things to remember is that hybrid pepper varieties will not produce true to seed, and that you should only save seed from fully ripe peppers. Most green peppers are not fully ripe and therefore have underdeveloped seeds. Always use heirloom or open pollinated varieties to save seed from.
Step 1: Remove the seeds from the pepper. Use your fingernail to scrape the seeds out of the pepper. If dealing with super hot peppers, you can use a spoon. Remember to use gloves and don't touch your face when dealing with hot peppers.
Step 2: Sort and dry. Pick out and discard any seeds that are discolored, deformed, or broken. Lay the rest out on a paper towel, paper plate, or drying rack. Make sure they're not clumped up so they can dry properly. Label your seeds. Every day you'll want to stir the seeds around a bit to make sure all sides are drying. Let them dry at least one week. You can test your seeds by taking one and bending it in half. If it breaks, the seeds are dry and ready for storage. If not, keep drying a bit longer.
Step 3: Store. Once your pepper seeds are thoroughly dry, store them in an airtight container. You can use a jar or a resealable plastic bag. You can store pepper seeds in a plastic tote in your closet for several years, or for longer storage you can keep them in your refrigerator or freezer. Just make sure you keep a low humidity. Be sure to label your seeds!
Step 1: Remove the seeds from the pepper. Use your fingernail to scrape the seeds out of the pepper. If dealing with super hot peppers, you can use a spoon. Remember to use gloves and don't touch your face when dealing with hot peppers.
Step 2: Sort and dry. Pick out and discard any seeds that are discolored, deformed, or broken. Lay the rest out on a paper towel, paper plate, or drying rack. Make sure they're not clumped up so they can dry properly. Label your seeds. Every day you'll want to stir the seeds around a bit to make sure all sides are drying. Let them dry at least one week. You can test your seeds by taking one and bending it in half. If it breaks, the seeds are dry and ready for storage. If not, keep drying a bit longer.
Step 3: Store. Once your pepper seeds are thoroughly dry, store them in an airtight container. You can use a jar or a resealable plastic bag. You can store pepper seeds in a plastic tote in your closet for several years, or for longer storage you can keep them in your refrigerator or freezer. Just make sure you keep a low humidity. Be sure to label your seeds!