Tim Challenger wrote:

On Tue, 23 Mar 2004 16:12:04 -0000, Thos wrote:


Last year I planted some seeds that I had saved from the previous year in a
tray, they duly came up and grew into very good producers which I passed on
to friends.
I saved seeds last year and have plated in in a heated tray about a week
ago. I don't see any sign of growth yet.
Is there something I am missing or doing wrong, are the seed fertile?
Any pointers would be appreciated
THANX


I agree with the others. Wait. A week is pretty fast for chillies. I often
soak them in water overnight then keep them in damp kitchen-paper in a
plastic bag until some start to show signs of germination. Then I can sow
them. This often helps if you're in a hurry. Plus you get an idea of how
viable the seeds are.

Hmm. Wait a little longer perhaps, but I'd say you had cause for concern
if they are in a heated tray. My chilis all showed signs of life within
about a week. I kept them on a radiator in a propagator until they
germinated. Of the various varieties I'm trying the Jalapeno's started
coming up pretty fast (3 to 4 days) and the rest took 5 or 6 days
(Apache, Early Jalapeno, Hot Wax). Only the Habanero took longer, they
took maybe 8 or 9 days.

If you see nothing after 2 or 3 weeks I'd assume you were on to a looser
and get some more seeds. I bought mine from www.chillifire.co.uk, and so
far have had a 100% success rate in germination, and they were delivered
in under 24 hours (ordered in the afternoon, on the doormat next
morning). I reckon (as a complete novice) that there is still plenty of
time for starting again.

You can search on the web for all sorts of hints and tips for treating
chili seeds (e.g. rinsing in cold tea and various other concoctions).
For me moist seedling compost and a radiator worked fine. Growing them
and getting a decent crop is another matter, I don't have a greenhouse
so they are going to live on a flat roof... we'll see how that goes.