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Q&A – Do pepper seeds need to turn red before I collect them?

Question:
Do pepper seeds need to turn red before I collect them?

Answer:
They do not, however the fruit containing the seeds should be allowed to fully ripen. UT Assistant Professor of Residential and Consumer Horticulture Natalie Bumgarner says open pollinated (non-hybrid) peppers are a great plant to save seeds from because they are mostly self-pollinated. She says to let the fruit mature before harvesting. The seeds will be greenish brown. After removing them from the fruit, let them dry before storing for the next year.

Related Videos:
Will seeds from a bell pepper produce peppers?
Saving Bean Seeds
When to Pick Bell Peppers

Related Resources:
​Seed Saving: Knowing the Difference Between Hybrids, Heirlooms, and Open-Pollinated Plants
Heirloom vs. Hybrid Seeds
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  • Home
  • Watch
    • TV Schedule
    • Full Episodes Online
    • How-to and Informational
    • Questions and Answers
    • This Week in the Garden
    • Garden Notes
  • Garden Topic Collections
    • Apple Trees: How-to and Information
    • Peach Trees: How-to and Information
    • Tomatoes: How-to and Information
    • Square Foot Garden Blog
  • Resources
    • Soil Testing
    • Extension Publications
    • Gardening Resources
    • Blogs
    • Organic Gardening
    • Articles
    • Privacy
  • Guests
  • Contact Us
    • Ask a Gardening Gardening Question
  • Search