How Long Does It Take for a Bird's Eye Pepper Seed to Sprout?

Timing

• Bird's eye pepper seeds need a head start in most areas because they require a very long, warm growing season. Starting the seeds indoors roughly six weeks before the last spring frost will allow the seedlings to establish a productive root system before planting, which will increase the chances of productive fruiting. Additionally, indoor sowing allows for greater control over the growing conditions, which may result in a higher germination rate.

Seed Pretreatment

• Bird's eye pepper seeds germinate erratically due to their dense, impermeable seed coat. Soaking the seeds will help overcome their innate physical dormancy while also helping to determine which seeds are viable. There are three main soaking options: a pure water soak for six hours, a 10 percent bleach solution for five to 10 minutes, or a solution of 1 tablespoon potassium nitrate and 1 gallon of water for two to three days. Skim off and discard any bird's eye pepper seeds that float to the surface during the soak because they are probably hollow, rotten or otherwise inviable. Sow the sunken seeds immediately after pretreatment.

Sowing

• Pepper plants resent having their roots disturbed, so it is best to sow the bird's eye pepper seeds in biodegradable pots so they can be planted whole in spring. Fill the pots with sterile seed-starting compost, then sow the seeds at a depth of 1/4 inch. Sow only one seed in each pot to prevent overcrowding. Because the seeds are shallowly planted, cover the soil with a thin layer of coarse sand to weigh it down slightly so the seeds won't be dislodged during germination.

Germination Process

• High temperatures and constant moisture aid the germination process for bird's eye pepper seeds. Place the pots in a bright location where temperatures stay above 70 degrees Fahrenheit. If a naturally warm location is unavailable, warm the pots with a heating coil or place them on top of a refrigerator. Cover them with a plastic dome or a sheet of plastic wrap to hold humidity around the seeds. Keep the top 1 inch of soil barely moist during the germination process, watering with a spray bottle to keep from dislodging the bird's eye pepper seeds. The most viable seeds will sprout in two to three weeks, with stragglers emerging up to two months later.

Care and Planting

• Once the bird's eye pepper seedlings emerge, begin acclimating them to the normal humidity and temperature conditions outside their plastic dome. Lift the dome or plastic wrap for an increasing length of time every day, then remove it after one week. Grow the seedlings in a bright area indoors until after the last spring frost date, then move them to a sheltered area outdoors. Wait until the soil has warmed to around 65 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit before planting the bird's eye pepper seedlings, pot and all, into a sunny bed with fast-draining soil. Space them roughly 2 feet apart.