Chillis not doing much

[ed_in_kent]

Hi,

I planted 22 chilli seeds about 8 days ago in compost and put them in an unheated propagator. The packet says 5-7 for germination but mine don't seem to be doing very much.

I've been watering them to keep them moist but not sodden, having been putting them on the window sill during the day and even next to the rad to keep them warm.

Am I just being impatient or have I done something wrong?

Thanks.

Ed

[veggiechicken]

I don't grow chillies but, apparently they germinate in 8 days at temperatures of 77F/25C. At 20C they take 13 days and at 15C, they take 25 days.
If you can give them sustained heat, you may chivvy them up. I'm a water meanie with seeds too. Sow into damp compost, put a lid or plastic bag over them and leave them until you see signs of germination. Too much water and they'll rot.

[Scarlet]

I think you are being impatient what chillies have you sown? Some can be tricky to germinate without constant warmth. I start mine off in a heted propagator. They don't need light to germinate so can you put them in an airing cupboard? Check them every day? If running out of space in my propagator I will pre chit them on damp kitchen roll in a sealed plastic bag left ontop of the fridge - lots of constant heat there.
Cover the tray with a piece of cling film. That should keep them damp without the need for watering so often.

[Deano's "Diggin It"]

Ed! Yes you are being impatient!

Mine are in an heated prop at a constant 20 degree's, sown on the 16th March and only just "Popped" yesterday!

Not growing many as a lot on here are doing, not a chilli conasuer as stated many times before, but persevere! You will be rewarded!

[vixylix]

chillies are a law unto themselves - they can suddenly pop up after 4 or 5 weeks when you've given up all hope! Give it more time - 5-7 days is pretty fast for chillies!

[SusieG]

chillies are a law unto themselves - they can suddenly pop up after 4 or 5 weeks when you've given up all hope! Give it more time - 5-7 days is pretty fast for chillies!

Hi yes, think you're a tad impatient ed in Kent! In my meagre experience, as VC said, moist compost, keep constant warmth and fingers crossed!! I'd given up all hope with my choc habs, then 4 days ago (after being sown end of Feb) one little fighter has shown itself! Still tiny, but ever hopeful!!!

Will definitely be purchasing a heated propagator for next seasons chillis!!!!

[Scarlet]

Shame you don't live near me Susie, ive had a few more germinate than expected. I will have to be mean and compost them

[SusieG]

Shame you don't live near me Susie, ive had a few more germinate than expected. I will have to be mean and compost them

You're a tease Scarlet!! But doesn't it hurt to bin 'em..?! Think it's all the tlc and hoping/planning/expectation that's gone into producing the little blighters, then to just compost them feels just wrong! (Or is it just me..?)

[Scarlet]

Following Barios advice Susie he is right....you can't look after dozens of plants so I'm choosing the biggest/strongest/ best looking. I had loads of self saved seeds that I thought would have a low germination rate so swed far too many.

[Scarlet]

Just to add, I usually sow one seed per module. I had some self saved Habs so I sowed a "few to a pot" some old facing heaven, black hungarianseeds that had the same treatment. Philthy then kindly offered some seeds and advised 2 per pot as some were a little old......

[Scarlet]

Ed FYI....they took longer than 8 days

[ed_in_kent]

Thanks all I will try and be a bit more patient!!

[Nicos]

Mine took about 3 weeks sat on a radiator!

[ed_in_kent]

Great news. Today 5 of my 22 chilli seeds have come through.

The soil looks quite dry to me - how much should I be watering them?

Thanks,

Ed

[Scarlet]

Try standing the pots in water until they've soaked some up. Better than flattening them.