Thin-skinned peppers are a spicy and delicious ingredient widely used in dishes. If you want to grow thin-skinned peppers at home, you need to know how to save their seeds. This article will introduce you to the entire process from selecting mature fruits to storing the seeds.
Selecting Mature Fruits
The seeds of thin-skinned peppers can only be guaranteed in mature fruits. When harvesting, select red or orange mature fruits. Mature fruits have better seed quality, which can improve germination rates and yield.
Cutting the Fruits
After selecting the mature fruits, you can cut them off with scissors. This not only ensures the fruits are intact and undamaged, but also avoids contaminating the seeds.
Cleaning the Fruits
Place the cut fruits in water and gently rub them to remove the flesh and dirt. Note that do not wash the fruits with soap or other detergents, as these substances may affect the quality of the seeds.
Drying the Fruits
The washed fruits need to be dried. They can be air-dried in a cool, ventilated place, or you can use paper towels or towels to wipe off the moisture.
Cutting Open the Fruits
Cut the dried fruits open with a knife and take out the seeds inside. Be careful not to damage the seeds and keep them intact.
Placing the Seeds on Paper Towels
Place the extracted seeds on paper towels to dry. During the drying process, you can turn the seeds several times to allow them to dry evenly.
Marking the Variety on the Paper Towel
If you have grown several different varieties of thin-skinned peppers, you need to mark the variety name on the paper towel. This will help with subsequent management and classification.
Wrapping the Paper Towel
Wrap the dried seeds in a paper towel and seal them in a bag or box. This can prevent the effects of air and moisture on the seeds, ensuring their storage time and quality.
Placing in the Refrigerator
Placing the packaged seeds in the refrigerator can extend their storage time. The seeds should be placed in a dry, ventilated place in the refrigerator, avoiding contact with other foods.
Regularly Checking the Seed Condition
During the storage period, it is necessary to regularly check the condition of the seeds. If you find that the seeds are moldy or have turned black, you should replace the packaging or dry them in time.
Do Not Expose Seeds to Sunlight
Seeds should not be exposed to sunlight, as sunlight will destroy their nutrients and growth ability. Direct sunlight should be avoided during the storage process.
Do Not Place Seeds in a Humid Environment
A humid environment will have an adverse effect on the seeds, promoting the growth of mold and bacteria. When storing seeds, they need to be placed in a dry environment to avoid moisture.
Take Out the Seeds Before the Breeding Season
The shelf life of thin-skinned pepper seeds is usually 1-2 years. Before the breeding season arrives, the stored seeds should be taken out to prepare for the next season's planting.
Selecting the Number of Seeds According to Needs
After taking out the seeds, you can select the appropriate amount according to your needs. If you are planting a large area, you can choose more seeds; if it is just for home planting, you can choose a smaller amount.
Thin-skinned peppers are a very popular ingredient, and knowing how to save their seeds is very important for growing them yourself. Through a series of methods such as selecting mature fruits, cleaning and drying, and wrapping for storage, you can ensure the storage time and quality of the seeds. Only with the correct storage methods can the high quality and good growth performance of thin-skinned pepper seeds be guaranteed.