Frequently asked questions

In general, well-stored pepper seeds can retain their germination capacity for several years. However, over time, germination capacity gradually decreases.

Hot pepper seeds can be stored for a long time if handled and stored correctly.

Store the seeds in a cool, dark place. An ideal temperature is around 5 to 10 degrees Celsius. A cellar or refrigerator are good options.

Place the dry pepper seeds in an airtight container, such as a glass jar or a sealed plastic bag. Ensure that as little air as possible comes into contact with the seeds because humidity and oxygen can reduce germination capacity.

Fresh peppers can be stored for several weeks to a few months, depending on the storage method you use. Here are some tips to keep fresh peppers as fresh as possible:

• In the refrigerator: The best way to store fresh peppers is in the refrigerator. Store them in a plastic bag with small air holes or in an airtight container to keep moisture and air out. This way, they can remain fresh for about 1 to 2 weeks.
• Freeze them: If you plan to store peppers for a longer period, you can freeze them. Slice the peppers into pieces, remove the seeds, and place them in an airtight plastic bag or a freezer container. Frozen peppers can be stored for up to 6 months to 1 year.
• Pickle them: Another option is to pickle fresh peppers. You can preserve them in vinegar, brine, or oil, depending on your preference. Pickled peppers can last for several months to even a year in the refrigerator.
• Dry them: If you want to preserve peppers completely, you can dry them. Dried peppers can be stored for months to even years.

You can naturally dry peppers. In our experience, it's best to cut the peppers open first to avoid mold. Then, hang them in a well-ventilated place to dry.

You can also use a food dehydrator.

If you don't have a food dehydrator, you can also dry them in a regular oven. Set it to a low temperature, around 50 degrees Celsius. Leave the oven slightly ajar to allow moisture to escape, for example, by placing a wooden spoon between the door. This helps accelerate the drying process and remove moisture in a controlled manner. Drying may take several hours. Check the peppers regularly to see if they are completely dry; they should feel completely dry and crispy.

The color of the pepper is one of the most reliable indicators of ripeness. Most peppers start green and change to a different color as they ripen, such as red, yellow, orange, or purple. When the pepper reaches the desired ripe color, it is a sign of ripeness.

Jalapeños are generally green when they are unripe, but they can ripen and change color as they get older. Most people associate jalapeños with their green color, and you can certainly harvest and use jalapeño peppers when they are green. They will have a sharp, spicy flavor.

However, jalapeños can also ripen and change color to red or even purple, depending on the variety and growing conditions. When jalapeños ripen and change color, they often develop a sweeter and deeper flavor. Most people consider ripe red jalapeños to be less spicy than their green counterparts.

Some growers delve into the science of soil pH levels and potassium content. In our experience, simple, inexpensive tomato plant fertilizer works quite well. This type of fertilizer is widely available.

Initially, potting soil contains sufficient nutrients, so additional feeding is not necessary in the beginning.

We test germination rates ourselves. Additionally, all seeds are tested for quality by NakTuinbouw. Our phytosanitary registration number with NakTuinbouw is NL-189328983. You can find the registered companies here.

Furthermore, our seeds come with a plant passport.

Most seeds are grown on seed farms in Spain and Italy. Outside of the high season, seeds also come from Dutch greenhouses.

Yes, you can use seeds from your own harvest to sow again. Collecting and storing seeds from healthy, ripe peppers is a sustainable way to produce your own seeds for future peppers.

Let the peppers fully ripen on the plant before harvesting them. Ripe peppers tend to have seeds that will germinate well.

You can either dry the seeds first or use them directly.

Cut open the ripe peppers and remove the seeds. Try to separate the seeds as much as possible from the flesh. We recommend wearing (latex) gloves to avoid getting the sharp capsaicin on your hands.

Place the removed seeds on a plate or a piece of cardboard. Do not use a paper towel as the seeds can stick to it and may get damaged when removed. Let them dry for 2 weeks in a well-ventilated place, away from direct sunlight.

In general, it's best to sow your pepper plants indoors in late winter to early spring, usually between January and March. You can find the detailed sowing guide here.

Yes, you can use seeds from a pepper you bought at the supermarket to try growing new pepper plants.

Keep in mind that seeds from supermarket peppers may not always have the same characteristics as the original plant because supermarket peppers are often hybrid varieties. Nonetheless, it's a fun and cost-effective way to try growing your own peppers and see what variations emerge.

Yes, that is definitely possible. We can often sell large quantities of seeds at competitive prices. Contact us with your requirements.

Pepper X is now officially the world's spiciest pepper according to the Guinness World Records. However, the person who created it, Ed Currie, has decided not to sell its seeds, making it difficult for people to grow it themselves. Currie says that Pepper X is a patented type, and he won't share its seeds with the public.

Be careful if you see Pepper X seeds for sale on other websites, as they're likely not the real deal.

No, we do not sell these. The peppers that come from this plant usually do not look like what you see on the internet. We don't want to disappoint customers.