Exploring My 2025 Pepper Varieties: Seed Starting and Growing Tips
2025 is shaping up to be an exciting year in the garden, and one of the projects I’m most excited about is growing peppers! In this video, I introduced the pepper varieties I’ll be growing this season. From sweet to spicy, I can’t wait to see how these varieties perform and taste. If you’re thinking of starting peppers in your own garden, join me as I share the ones I’m choosing and why.
My 2025 Pepper Varieties
Starting peppers early is key, especially since they take their time to get going. With about 10 weeks until the last frost date, I'm jumping in today and planting a few varieties:
1. Biquino Pepper Red
A tiny pepper that changes colors from yellow to orange and finally red, reminiscent of cherries! Last year, I grew them in a grow bag, but this time, I’ll try planting them in the raised bed or directly in the ground.
2. Chinese Five Color Red
This pepper changes through five colors – purple, green, yellow, orange, and red. It's such a beauty in a harvest bowl, and I'm hoping to recreate that!
3. Ancho Pano Pepper
A mild, stuffing pepper that’s great for filling with goodness. This one's a favorite for me, and it does well in a garden space.
4. Tennessee Cheese
A sweet variety perfect for stuffing and salads, reaching about 2-3 feet tall. I love growing peppers that don’t get too tall – they’re more manageable.
5. Shishito Pepper
Mild, with a sweet touch, and a great snack. I can’t wait to try these for drying into flakes or adding to pizza!
6. Big Jim Jalapeno
The go-to for a spicy bite, Big Jim has always been a staple. Perfect for picking in the summer and fall.
7. Bridge to Paris
Super sweet when ripe, with thick bell pepper-like skin. Can’t wait to see how this one grows.
Seed Starting Process + Quick Tips
Trays
For this round, I'm using Epic 6 Cell Trays. After pre-watering my seed-starting mix, I like to spritz the top with a spray bottle. I’m also careful with labeling—especially because I’m known for mixing up seeds! The plan for this season is to keep things organized and save space by planting multiple varieties in each tray.
Humidity Dome & Why It’s Important + Lighting
One of the key steps in starting seeds successfully is creating the right environment for them to germinate. That’s why I wrap my seed trays in plastic wrap to act as a humidity dome. Humidity helps maintain the moisture needed for seeds to sprout and grow. It keeps the soil evenly moist, which is crucial because dry conditions can stunt seedling growth or even prevent germination altogether. I’ll be keeping them under a grow light for 16 hours a day. This helps mimic natural sunlight, giving the seedlings the light they need to grow strong and healthy.
Once the seeds begin to sprout, I’ll remove the plastic wrap to allow the plants to acclimate to normal air circulation. But for now, the humidity dome is essential for giving these peppers the best chance to thrive.
Fish Fertilizer for Strong Growth
As the seedlings grow and develop their first set of true leaves, I’ll start feeding them a diluted fish fertilizer. This provides the nutrients they need to strengthen their roots and promote healthy growth. I prefer fish fertilizer because it’s gentle yet effective, helping my plants grow strong without overloading them with synthetic chemicals.
Excited for This Season's Pepper Varieties
As I continue my pepper seed starting journey, I’m excited to see how these varieties grow and evolve throughout the season. Each pepper has its own unique characteristics, and I can’t wait to see how they perform in the garden. I’ll be sure to keep you all updated on their progress and share any tips I learn along the way.
