How to Seedlings Pepper
Peppers, as an indispensable seasoning vegetable on the dining table, scientific seedling raising is the key to obtaining high-quality and high-yield crops. Mastering all the techniques from seed treatment to transplanting can not only improve the seedling emergence rate but also cultivate robust and disease-resistant pepper seedlings. This article will systematically analyze practical seedling raising techniques for home planting and greenhouse production from sowing preparation to transplanting management.
One, Key Techniques for Seed Treatment
1.1 Double Insurance for Seed Disinfection
Choose a sunny day in the late February or early March, spread the seeds on gauze and expose them to the sun for 48 hours, as ultraviolet light can effectively kill surface bacteria. For old seeds, it is recommended to use a chemical disinfection method: soak in warm water at 50°C mixed with a 0.5% potassium permanganate solution for 25 minutes, taking note of the control of the solution concentration and time, and rinse with water three times after treatment.
1.2 Tips for Seed Soaking and Germination
Place the disinfected seeds in warm water at 30°C, add an appropriate amount of gibberellin (concentration controlled at 100mg/L), and soak for 8-12 hours until the seeds are fully hydrated and expanded. When using the gauze wrapping method for germination, maintain an ambient temperature of 25-28°C, and rinse with warm water twice a day. When 70% of the seeds have shown white tips, they can be sown.
Two, Precision Control of Seedling Raising Environment
2.1 Scientific Substrate Proportioning
The ideal seedling substrate is mixed in the ratio of humus soil: vermiculite: perlite = 5:3:2, with 10kg of decomposed sheep manure and 1kg of superphosphate added per cubic meter. Before use, drench the substrate with a 40% formaldehyde solution diluted 50 times, cover with plastic film for disinfection for 3 days, and then ventilate to disperse the odor.
2.2 Temperature and Humidity Management System
After sowing, build a small arch greenhouse to maintain a daytime temperature of 25-30°C/nighttime temperature of 18-20°C, and keep the air humidity at 70-80%. Remove the ground film when 50% of the seeds have germinated, and gradually increase the light intensity. Use an intermittent misting system to maintain the substrate moisture content at around 60%.
Three, Meticulous Management During Seedling Stage
3.1 Standardized Sowing Operation
Mix the seeds with fine sand at a ratio of 1:5 and evenly broadcast them, with a covering soil thickness of 0.8cm being the best. When using a 72-hole seedling tray, plant 2 seeds per hole and gently press after covering with vermiculite. Ensure that the sowing density is controlled at 4-5g/㎡ to prevent seedling overcrowding and excessive growth.
3.2 Key Indicators for Transplanting
Transplant when the seedlings have 4-5 true leaves, a plant height of 15cm, and a stem diameter of 0.3cm. Gradually reduce the temperature 3 days before transplanting to harden the seedlings, and choose a sunny afternoon for transplanting with soil. After transplanting, water thoroughly, and use a 75% shade net to shade for 3 days to promote seedling recovery.
Through scientific temperature control, precise water and fertilizer management, and standardized transplanting operations, high-quality pepper seedlings with short internodes, thick leaves, and well-developed roots can be cultivated. It is recommended that growers establish a seedling raising log to record environmental parameters at each stage, providing data support for subsequent planting management.