How To: Saving Seeds From Peppers

We love to grow every variety of peppers in our garden – sweet, ornamental, spicy, big small, we love them. With so many varieties in our garden, we started to save the seeds to save on purchasing seeds and to move closer towards self-sufficiency.. In this article we’ll share exactly what you need to know when saving seeds from peppers. Since there are several different methods, you will want to read through the full article to decide what method will work the best for you.

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Contents

Can you Save Pepper Seeds?

In general you can save pepper seeds and you will get the same variety the following year since peppers are generally self-pollinating. You should avoid collecting and saving pepper seeds from hybrid pepper plants as you won’t get the same type of pepper from the seeds as the mother plant.

Peppers seeds are in fact one of our favorite type of seeds to save.

Saving Seeds from Peppers

STEP 1: Harvest your Seeds

To harvest and save pepper seeds, choose ripe peppers from your plants. You want to choose peppers that have fully matured and changed color from a healthy plant. Carefully cut open the pepper avoiding disturbing the seeds. Scoop the seeds into a bowl and rinse them to remove any pulp. Once you have harvested the pepper seeds you can use one of the methods below to dry your seeds. It is important to fully dry your seeds or the will mildew and mold over the winter.

Step 2: Dry Your Seeds

There are several different ways to dry you pepper seeds. They mostly vary based on the amount of time you wish to spend drying. There are a few other methods that are sometimes shared as the best ways (like fermentation) but I have found the methods below to be the most effective and easy.

Paper Towel Method

Process:
- After collecting the seeds, place them on a dry paper towel.
- Allow them to air dry for a few days until they are thoroughly dry.
- Store the seeds in the paper towel itself or transfer them to a labeled envelope or container.
Pros: Easy to implement and can be done with household items.
Cons: Seeds can stick to the paper towel, making them harder to remove.

Food Dehydrator Method

Process:
- Spread the seeds in a single layer on the dehydrator trays, using a liner or paper towel to prevent them from falling through.
- Set the dehydrator to a low temperature (around 95-115°F).
- Dry the seeds for 12-24 hours, checking periodically to ensure they are drying evenly.
Pros: Speeds up the drying process and ensures consistent results.
Cons: Requires a food dehydrator, which some may not have.

Oven Drying Method

Process:
- Preheat the oven to the lowest setting (around 95-100°F).
- Spread the seeds on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Place the baking sheet in the oven with the door slightly open to allow moisture to escape.
- Dry the seeds for several hours, checking frequently to prevent overheating.
Pros: A quicker method that doesn’t require specialized equipment.
Cons: Risk of overheating the seeds, which can reduce viability.

Step 3: Storing your Pepper Seeds

Airtight Containers: Store seeds in small, airtight containers like glass jars, plastic containers with tight-fitting lids, or vacuum-sealed bags. This protects them from moisture and pests.

No matter how you save your seeds, make sure to label them well. My favorite way to store pepper seeds is in paper envelopes labeled with the date and variety.

Paper Envelopes: For short-term storage or if you prefer a simple method, place seeds in paper envelopes. Seal the envelopes and then place them inside a plastic bag or airtight container for added protection.

Cool, Dry Location: Keep the seeds in a cool, dry place away from heat and sunlight. Ideal storage locations include a drawer, cupboard, or a dedicated seed storage box.

Refrigeration: For long-term storage, especially if you’re storing seeds for several years, place the seeds in an airtight container or envelope and store them in the refrigerator. Ensure the seeds are completely dry before refrigeration to avoid condensation.

Freezing: For extended storage, especially if you have a large quantity of seeds, you can freeze them. Place seeds in an airtight container or vacuum-sealed bag and store in the freezer. Allow the seeds to come to room temperature before opening to prevent moisture from forming.

Common Questions about Saving Seeds From Peppers

How long can pepper seeds be stored?

Properly stored pepper seeds can remain viable for 2-5 years, although you will see a loss in viability meaning less seeds will germinate each year.. Seeds stored in a cool, dry place or refrigerated can last longer.

How can I prevent mold or mildew on pepper seeds?

The key to avoiding mold and mildew is making sure seeds are completely dry before storage. Store them in airtight containers or envelopes in a cool, dry place to prevent moisture accumulation and mold growth.

Do I need to clean the pepper seeds before storing them?

Yes, it’s important to clean pepper seeds to remove any pulp or debris. Rinse them thoroughly, then dry them completely before storing. This will help make sure they are fully dry.

Can I use seeds from store-bought peppers?

You can save seeds from store-bought peppers, but they may not always be viable or true to the variety due to potential hybridization or other factors.

How should I label stored pepper seeds?

Label your seed containers or envelopes with the pepper variety. There is often no way to tell if the pepper is a hybrid.

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