My Method... For The Record

First off! You'll have to forgive my use of the odd 'science-ism'. I'm a student of science, but hope never to be a biologist. I've felt, in the past, like my head has been in a vice whilst trying to wrap my brain around all the ecosystem classification systems out there... Give me a bit of physics any day of the week.

Over the years I've used different methods of germination and have found the method I'm using now the most successful for chillies, peppers, and tomatoes. I do have other methods for other types of seed, but this is one I use for flat seeds of the Solanaceae family.

Número uno on the list is a seed soak. This consists of rain water with a tiny bit of seaweed extract mixed in. I use rain water because of the working hypotheses that acidic water should help break down the seed casing to allow the moisture in and the plant out. Other solutions involve the use of bleach, or citric acid, but these are a bit too hardcore for the humble chilli seed. The seaweed extract isn't particularly necessary, but the alginic acid adds to the overall acidity of the water. I'm also of the thinking that any diluted residue extract on the seed will give that first tiny root (the radicle) a decent meal. I keep them in the soak for 18-24 hours.

Next I take a seed tray (without drainage holes), or a plastic storage container, and line it with a single sheet layer of toilet tissue. If the tissue is thicker than a single sheet I'd pull the different plies apart. Lay out the pre-soaked seeds on the tissue and cover with another sheet of toilet paper. The tissue can now be dampened with water. I use toilet tissue because it breaks down easier and allows the embryonic shoot through. Cover the seed tray with cling film, or plastic wrap, and place in a warm position, preferably with a light source to prevent the seedling stretching when you're not looking. Keep checking the seed tray at regular intervals; making sure the tissue still has moisture in it. If the seeds are left to dry out; it's game-over.

Once the shoot breaks through the tissue prick out the seedlings and plant in 5 cm (2-inch) pots with John Innes No. 1 compost. You could also plant in seed compost. I've heard that others have success with plain old general purpose compost, but this may be a bit too nutrient rich. If you decide to use the general purpose route you might think about mixing some sand with it.

When it comes to potting these on into bigger pots I'd just stick 'em in either the general purpose compost, or my personal choice of John Innes No. 3.

Now these methods are only my way of doing things. Alternate methods, like sowing straight into soil or rockwool, are equally acceptable and may work better for you... I don't want to be divisive about these things and provoke a chilli growers comment backlash.

I am by no means the bees' knees, but I hope I can help someone on the road to a chilli cornucopia...