[Kirpi]

I sowed a selection of chillis and peppers about two/three weeks ago into compost and placed them in an unheated propogator on a windowsill in a room around 15-20C.

The packet instructions said to sow shallow as the seeds need light to germinate.

Nothing has shown through yet (should have by now surely?) and I had a poke around with a pencil point to see if the seed was still visible.

The seed is plump with moisture and not rotted from what I can see, though some seeds have sunk slightly - about 5mm from the surface I would say.

My question then is: should gently scrape away the compost until I can just barely see the seed to make sure the seed can "see" the light?

If warmth is more important than light for germination, should I just place the propogator in a warmer place - the top of the central heating cupboard for example - but then there is less light.

What is it with chillis and peppers - warmth or light? Or I guess both ideally.

[Dai]

I think warmth is more important, mine certainly had no light as they were under a quarter of an inch of compost but they do take a time to germinate. as some seeds have sunk as you say i would guess that means they are rooting and shouldnt be long about (i guess)

[mumofstig]

I'd put them somewhere warmer, but do check regularly for signs of germination.

[Kirpi]

Thank you. Warm it is then and daily checks.