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.