How to Start Propagating Chilli Seeds: From Seed to Sprout

Growing Chillis from Seed

Yes, you can go to Bunnings and buy some chilli seedlings and have great success - BUT - there's nothing like the satisfaction of growing your own plants from seeds. Not only that, you can grow so many different varieties when you start with seeds. So here’s a straightforward guide to help you propagate chilli seeds and add some spice to your garden or windowsill.

Choosing Your Seeds

The first step is selecting the chilli variety you want to grow. Are you into the smokey heat of a chipotle, the fiery punch of a habanero, or something mild like a banana pepper? Choose varieties that suit your taste—and your climate. If you're in a cooler area, opt for chillis with a shorter growing season.

You can buy seeds from a reputable supplier or harvest them from fresh chillis—just be sure the seeds are mature, firm, and fully dry before planting.

Soaking for Success

To give your chilli seeds the best start, soak them in warm water for 8–12 hours. This softens the tough outer coat and helps to jump-start germination. For an added boost, some gardeners use a chamomile tea soak, which is believed to help prevent fungal infections in seedlings.

The Right Growing Medium

Chilli seeds thrive in a light, well-draining seed-starting mix. You can use a commercial mix or make your own with equal parts coconut coir, perlite and compost. Avoid heavy garden soil, which can suffocate delicate roots and encourage rot.

Fill seed trays or small pots with your mix and gently press the seeds about 5 mm (¼ inch) below the surface. Mist lightly with water to keep the soil moist but not soggy.

Warmth and Patience

Germinating chilli seeds on a heat-mat & under bubble wrap

Chilli seeds love warmth—they need a steady temperature between 24–28°C (75–82°F) to germinate. If you're sowing in early spring or indoors, a heated propagator or heat mat will work wonders. Given the volume of seeds we propogate every year we have a germination rack with the heat mat at the bottom. We then put the seeds in the trays and cover them in bubble wrap to keep the warmth in - it gets cold in the Otways. At this stage they don't need light, just warmth - but you have to check them everyday to make sure they don't dry out. Then you just have to be patient. Some chilli seeds can sprout in a week, while others take up to 3–4 weeks depending on the variety and conditions. If they haven't come up by then, we discard them, as even if they grow they never become high achievers.

Light It Up

Once the seedlings emerge, they’ll need lots of light—at least 12–16 hours per day. A sunny windowsill may work, but if your light is limited, consider using a grow light. That's what we do - combined with a timer. Without adequate light, seedlings can become leggy and weak.

Feeding

At this stage, seedlings don't need to be feed. When they get their second set of leaves, that's when you need to start feeding them with a light water feed.

Transplanting and Beyond

We'll cover how to do that in another blog when your babies are ready.

Final Thoughts

Propagating chilli seeds is a fun way to dive into gardening. With a bit of warmth, care and patience, you’ll soon have healthy chilli plants ready to spice up your meals—and maybe even impress your friends with your homegrown heat!