Growing sweet pepper seedlings

Growing sweet pepper seedlings not very difficult to implement, but some nuances should be taken into account.

Firstly, it’s worth saying right away that sweet peppers are a more heat-loving plant than tomatoes or cabbage. Therefore, planting seedlings in open ground is recommended only in mid-to-late May. To ensure that the seedlings are already strong by this time, sow the pepper seeds indoors in March. Please take into account the fact that seedlings planted in the ground must be at least 60-70 days from the appearance of the first shoots.

Pepper is not the easiest plant to grow in the garden, so growing sweet pepper seedlings also requires soil preparation. It should be loose, neutral (pH level 6-6.6) and fertile. Seeds take a long time to germinate, so before sowing it is worth “hurrying” them by soaking them in germination stimulants, which also have a beneficial effect on plant immunity.

Plant each pepper seed immediately in a separate container, so that later when picking you do not damage the root system. Bury the seeds 0.5-0.7 cm, sprinkle with soil and cover with film, creating greenhouse conditions. The temperature should be maintained at 21-23 degrees. If these conditions are met, the seeds germinate approximately on the 9th day.

When the first shoots hatch, the film is removed from the boxes or containers, and the plants are moved for additional lighting. Daylight for seedlings should last at least 12 hours a day.With sufficient lighting and night temperature fluctuations of 14-17 degrees and daytime temperatures of 18-20 degrees, sweet pepper seedlings grow strong and do not stretch.

When 3-4 pairs of true leaves appear on the seedlings, they can already be considered ready for planting in open ground.