On 08/29/2016 03:48 PM, George Shirley wrote:
On 8/29/2016 4:34 PM, T wrote:
Hi George and Everyone,

I do love my Chimayo (New Mexico Red) peppers. I buy
them dried from the local Mexican store. They are
FULL of seeds. I tried sprouting these seeds and got
zip, nothing. So something is wrong.

Well now. I have a lovely Sandia (an heirloom Chimayo)
growing in my garden that I adore. I would like
to sprout peppers from it next year.

What is the proper method of collecting the seeds?
Let the pods turn red first before picking? Dry them?
I have no clue.

Many thanks,
-T


I don't bother getting seeds, we grow so many that they can get cross
pollinated and you get a hot chile or one so mild no one wants it. It's
best to get fresh seed every year.

If you are only growing one variety it is okay to gather the seeds. They
need to hang and dry until the fruit is completely dry and then you
gather the seeds. Even then there may be a difference in the seeds when
the plant grows fruit. Could be cross pollination from nearby chiles or
from other sources or just due to the weather, etc. It's a crap shoot
planting your own seed. I gave it up years ago and try to buy the best
seed I can find online. Even then the people loading the packages have
put the right seeds in the wrong package.

Used to get seeds from all other the world from other chile lovers but
the Feds finally stopped all that. Probably safer for all of us.

If you still want to try your own seed let the pod dry on the plant then
hang it in a dry place for a bit. Be careful as some insects and pests
like chillies too.

Thank you!

Now if I can discipline myself not to pick and eat them!

Found seeds on line:
http://www.localharvest.org/seeds-sandia-pepper-C23575