Pepper Seed Saving — FarmPal

Peppers are mostly self-pollinating but can cross-pollinate via insects. Seeds are ready when the fruit is fully ripe (color change complete). No fermentation needed.

Pollination
self
Isolation
300-500 feet (or bag flowers for pure seed)
Seed Maturity
Seeds mature when fruit reaches full color change
Storage Life
2-5 years

Harvest

  1. 1Allow pepper to fully ripen on plant (past eating stage fully colored)
  2. 2Cut pepper open and scrape seeds from placenta
  3. 3Spread seeds on plate to dry

Processing

  1. 1Wear gloves when handling hot pepper seeds
  2. 2Spread seeds in single layer on labeled plate
  3. 3Dry at room temperature for 1-2 weeks
  4. 4Seeds should be completely brittle when dry

Storage Tips

  • •Paper envelopes in cool, dark, dry location
  • •Refrigerator extends viability
  • •Label hot pepper seeds clearly!

Pro Tips

  • 💡Hot and sweet peppers WILL cross-pollinate if planted near each other
  • 💡Use isolation bags on flowers for guaranteed pure seed
  • 💡Let peppers over-ripen on the plant for best seed maturity
  • 💡Red peppers (fully ripe) have more mature seeds than green (immature)