How to Reuse Jalapeno Seeds for Growing

Jalapenos feature prominently in the cuisine of the southwestern United States, where they are often eaten fresh in salsas and with meat as an edible garnish. The seeds are typically removed during preparation since they are very hot and unpalatable, but instead of tossing jalapeno seeds in the trash, many gardeners save them for future planting. Reusing jalapeno seeds for growing is very easy to do and takes little effort, but the seeds must be properly cleaned and dried before storage to ensure they will germinate the following year.

Latex gloves
Cutting board
Paring knife
Paper towel
Baby food jar
White rice

Instructions

- 1
  Put on latex gloves before working with jalapenos since they contain an irritating compound called capsaicin that causes burning when it touches the skin.
- 2
  Place the jalapeno on a cutting board. Cut off the stem end of the jalapeno. Score lengthwise around the pepper with a paring knife.
- 3
  Separate the two halves of the jalapeno. Slide the tip of the paring knife along the inside of the jalapeno to sever the spongy inner flesh that houses the seeds.
- 4
  Tap each half of the jalapeno on the cutting board to release the seeds. Pick out the seeds that are stuck in the spongy flesh. Discard any moldy, stunted or discolored seeds.
- 5
  Lay the jalapeno seeds on a sheet of paper towel to dry. Dry the seeds in a cool spot with low relative humidity for 24 hours.
- 6
  Pour the jalapeno seeds into a clean, dry baby food jar once they are completely dry. Place 1 tbsp. of white rice wrapped in a half-sheet of paper towel inside the jar on top of the seeds to help absorb moisture.
- 7
  Store the baby food jar inside the crisper drawer of the refrigerator to keep them fresh. Remove the jar from the refrigerator 24 hours before sowing them.
- 8
  Start the jalapeno seeds indoors the following spring approximately six weeks before the last frost.

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