Welcome! 
About the Seed Germination 
Cheat Sheets 
 
Hi there! 

Thank you so much for subscribing and downloading the 

seed germination cheat sheets. This is by far our most 
popular download to date! 

These germination methods are intended for larger seeds 

that do not require light to sprout. As an example, I use them 
on peppers, squash, swiss chard, beans and eggplant. 

These processes are variations of a seed viability test, which 

tells you whether the seeds can grow. It also helps speed up 
germination times for difficult varieties like Carolina Reapers 
and other super hot peppers. 

Here’s a page that has a video demonstrating the seed 

viability test: 
https://growhotpeppers.com/test-pepper-seeds-for-germinati
on-before-you-plant-them/ 
 

Have a wonderful growing season! 

 
Jenny at ​GrowHotPeppers.com 

 
 SEED GERMINATION CHEAT SHEETS

SOFTEN THE SEED SHELL

1 Make a weak chamomile tea solution. Brew a cup of tea, and then use the same tea bag to make another cup of tea.
2 Soak your seeds in the weak tea solution for 24 to 48 hours before proceeding.

THE BAG METHOD (SEED VIABILITY TEST)

1 Fold a paper towel or coffee filter in quarters and then spray it with water until damp.
2 Place your seeds in between the fold.
3 Position your towel and seeds in a ziplock bag. Seal it up.
Place your bag on top of a plant heat mat or warm area. (For peppers, the ideal temperature range is between 80 to 90 degrees
4
Fahrenheit.)
5 Spray your towel and seeds each day with water to keep them damp.
6 Check for sprouting seeds. After they germinate, carefully cut the portion of the towel or filter containing the seed.
Note: Don't pull the seed off of the filter/towel because there's likely tiny root hairs that have grown into it. Manually removing your
seed can damage it.
7 Bury the germinated seed under a light layer of growing media (for example, seed-starting mix). The towel/filter will decompose.

THE CUP METHOD

1 Dampen a small piece of paper towel and stick it at the bottom of a 2.5 ounce gelatin cup.
2 Place your seeds on top of the towel and put the lid on.
Leave the cup on a plant heat mat or other warm spot. (For peppers, the ideal temperature range is between 80 to 90 degrees
3
Fahrenheit.)
4 Spray your towel and seeds each day with water to keep them damp.
5 Check for sprouting seeds. After they germinate, carefully cut the portion of the towel or filter containing the seed.
Note: Don't pull the seed off of the filter/towel because there's likely tiny root hairs that have grown into it. Manually removing your
seed can damage it.
6 Bury the germinated seed under a light layer of growing media (for example, seed-starting mix). The towel/filter will decompose.

THE FREEZER METHOD

1 Place your seeds in the freezer for 2 days.

2 Remove the seeds and position them in a folder-up paper towel. Dampen the towel with water.
3 Place the towel on a plate and cover it with a dark bowl.
Put the plate on a plant heat mat or other warm spot. (For peppers, the ideal temperature range is between 80 to 90 degrees
4
Fahrenheit.)
5 Spray your towel and seeds each day with water to keep them damp.
6 Check for sprouting seeds. After they germinate, carefully cut the portion of the towel or filter containing the seed.
Note: Don't pull the seed off of the filter/towel because there's likely tiny root hairs that have grown into it. Manually removing your
seed can damage it.
7 Bury the germinated seed under a light layer of growing media (for example, seed-starting mix). The towel/filter will decompose.

GrowHotPeppers.com 1