It’s time for an update on my Happy Yummy Pepper project. Last year I was giving away seeds of an unusual orange pepper I had discovered in 2009. This ‘rogue’ pepper came from a packet of Yummy mini bell peppers. It was long and narrow, it could either be hot or sweet, and I was hoping to get other gardeners to help grow it out and see if it could be stabilized.
Happy Yummy seed collection (click on any image to enlarge)
Many readers responded, and I distributed seeds to those who were interested. Early this month it was time for me to start some of those same seeds. I was concerned that the seeds I saved in 2009 might have trouble germinating. I am happy (no pun intended) to report that I got over 90% germination on both the Hot Happy Yummy and the Sweet Happy Yummy peppers. Out of 12 seeds planted of each, 11 of each germinated. Which is not bad!
Happy Yummy seedlings
I use a heating mat for any seeds that appreciate hot temperatures to germinate, including tomatoes, peppers and eggplants. The heating mat makes for evenly warm soil temperatures, and certainly improves germination time and percentage in my experience. I got nearly 100% germination from the tomatoes I saved last year. I wish all the seeds I bought came up that well!
Happy Yummys in plug flat
My Happy Yummy seedlings are potted up in cell packs now. If they all survive, I will have 22 pepper plants, which is a lot more than I will be able to plant. So if any local gardeners are interested in getting some plants, just let me know by leaving a comment or sending me an email.
ripe Happy Yummy pepper
Thanks again to all of you out there who are going to try growing these peppers! I hope we can all have some fun with this experiment, and grow some tasty peppers in the process.
I planted three of each. The hot had 100% germination, but the sweet just sprouted one. I’ll do another planting of three sweet seeds, as I’d like to end up with at least two good plants of each for the experiment.
I’ve planted 3 of each so far (it’s still early for us) with 100% germination for both. I’ve up-potted one of each (I kept the strongest) and will do a second sowing in a few weeks. I hope to have 2 of each to plant out in May 🙂
I think you will have to isolate the sweet peppers from the hots, or else you will get some crossing.
Look up “isolation distance requirements for peppers” for some pointers.
Bonnie, when it comes times to save seeds from the peppers, it will be necessary to isolate or cage the peppers to ensure cross pollination doesn’t occur.
The first step though is to see what my seeds produce. If the peppers are worthy of seed saving, then we can take it from there.
The book Seed to Seed by Suzanne Ashworth is a great reference for seed saving by home vegetable growers.
This will be really interesting to follow. Looking forward to seeing the outcomes.
Those looks like delicious peppers…too bad I live in north Illinois or I’d be willing to take some off of your hands 😉
Our peppers aren’t quite up yet, but should be in the next few days. They were planted last Saturday.
As usual, I’m game to try anything you guys have growing.
Being my bad self, I have not yet planted any seeds you gave me. Is it too late?
I have successfully planted some cool sweet potatoes that are beet red colored on the inside. I bought them in North Carolina at Christmas. Currently 7 sprigs are up!
Yesterday I had 5 Bluebird eggs- today there are still five so I think she is ready to stay put for awhile.
Wow, what a neat experiment. The last two years I have grown the ‘Yummy Bell’ pepper plants which I have purchased from a local garden center! I really enjoyed them! I would love to get a plant from you, when they are ready. I am from southern Indiana as well! Thanks for sharing this very interesting post! Happy Spring!
Mindy