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Pepper Seeds

Pepper seeds produce familiar summer vegetables that bring a smile to every face. To produce the variety of flavors from sweet to fiery hot, this warm-weather vegetable requires full sunlight and thrives in rich soil. Peppers are grown as annuals in most climates, but live as perennials year-round tropical conditions. These crunchy vegetables are loved for their tasty flesh, which has more vitamin C pound for pound than any other plant!

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Growing Pepper Seeds in Your Vegetable Garden

  • Over a dozen delicious varieties
  • Sweet, mild, hot and spicy peppers
  • Special variety mixes
  • Heirloom, non-GMO seeds

INTRODUCING PEPPER SEEDS

Peppers, with their origins in the Americas, have been cultivated for thousands of years and have a rich history that spread through cultures worldwide. Peppers are pivotal in culinary traditions, pairing flavor with outstanding nutrition benefits. These vegetables are adaptable to different climates, and can be grown outdoors in USDA hardiness zones 3 to 11. Planting times and cultivation techniques vary based on local climate and the pepper variety.

PLANTING PEPPER SEEDS

For a prosperous harvest, start pepper seeds indoors 8 to 10 weeks before the last expected frost. This ensures a head start in regions with shorter summers. If starting indoors, sow your seeds at a 1/4 inch depth in seed starting mix, keeping them warm and moist until germination. When seedlings develop a few true leaves, they can be hardened off and transplanted outdoors. Space them 18 to 24 inches apart in a sunny spot with well-drained soil.

MAINTAINING PEPPER PLANTS

Once transplanted, peppers require consistent moisture. However, be careful not to overwater, which can result in root rot. Use slow-release fertilizer at planting. Re-apply again mid-season to encourage continuous growth and fruiting. Support taller varieties with stakes or cages as branches can break under the weight of the pepper fruits. Harvesting at the right time is crucial for flavor; sweet varieties can be picked green or when fully ripe, while hot peppers develop more capsaicin (and spicy flavor) the longer they're left on the plant.

Survival Garden Seeds offers heirloom seeds, so your peppers will breed true. Save your peppers at the end of the growing season by choosing fruits from the healthiest plants for seed harvesting. Experience the joy of growing a wide range of peppers, with a promise of delicious vegetables at the end!

Frequently Asked Questions

What are heirloom seeds?

Heirloom seeds are the types of seeds your grandparents grew. These varieties have been passed down from generation to generation. They’re old reliable open-pollinated varieties that aren’t typically grown commercially. Instead, they have a rich history that predates modern breeding techniques. You can learn more about open-pollinated, heirloom, and non-GMO seeds in our Survival Garden Training blog.

How do I know my seeds are fresh?

Every seed packet includes a "packed for" date, and we germination test each seed lot before packaging to ensure you receive viable, high-quality seeds that are ready to grow.

Are your seeds chemically treated?

No, we do not pre-treat our seeds. All of our garden seeds are untreated, open-pollinated, non-GMO, and heirloom varieties. They are kept in temperature-controlled cooler storage until they are packed and shipped to keep them pest and disease-free.

Will your seeds grow in my USDA Hardiness zone?

The seeds in our collections are specifically chosen from varieties that can be successfully grown from Zone 3 to Zone 10 USDA Hardiness Zones. However, individual varieties have specific needs to thrive in different environments. Each seed pack has optimal temperatures for germination and instructions on seed starting. Consult local frost dates to plan your garden and get the most out of your seeds.

What is the shelf life of these garden seeds?

Most seeds remain viable for 3 to 5 years or longer when stored properly. Check your seed packet for specific varieties. For best results, keep your seeds in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and moisture. Store them in an airtight container in a consistent temperature environment—a refrigerator or cool basement works well. Proper storage helps maintain germination rates and extends seed life well beyond the packed date.

Where are Survival Garden Seeds sourced?

The majority of our seeds are sourced in the United States, with a few exceptions when the seed is difficult to source domestically. Whenever we do have to source outside of the US, we ensure our seeds are safe to grow, non-GMO, heirloom varieties that meet our standards for germination and reliability.

Learn more in the blog

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