Day 28: Catching Up (a lot happened)

Sorry that we have not been able to post for the past few weeks. Not to fret, the pepper seeds did not die. In fact they have been successfully germinated for a little over two weeks now! We removed the seeds from our "contraption" and placed them about one inch under the soil in our planter. The sprouts broke the surface in a day or two and are now about three to four inches tall. Daily maintenance includes 14 hours of artificial light (or windowsill sunlight when available) and approximately 16 fluid ounces of water a day. We also mist the plants periodically throughout the day to prevent over-drying of the leaves under the heat lamp. We promise to keep you updated from here on out!

                            

Day 6: Change of Germination Tactic

After examining the progress over the course of the week, I decided that, despite two heat lamps, the heat was dissipating too quickly. I approached this problem with a rather unconventional solution, but then again, I wouldn't consider growing peppers in my dorm room to be conventional in the first place. I happened to bring a dorm approved wax lamp which I use to make wax seals (also so my room doesn't smell like a baby's feces soaked in formaldehyde). I placed the Tupperware container on the wax lamp and checked the heat of the dampened paper towel after approximately one hour. Although I expected it to overheat, it seemed to be a perfect temperature. Of course I judged this empirically, but we expect to see more promising and faster results with this set-up. 

                    

Day 3: Update

• Seeds are being moistened with warm water three times daily
• We have decided to leave the plant light on 24 hours for the first several days to ensure successful germination.
• We currently have it set up with a heat lamp, but we are looking to purchase a small heating pad (much more efficient and a safer), so FEEL FREE TO DONATE (new addition on sidebar). 

                 

                     

 

Day 1: Germination

We began our long and arduous peregrination of botanical malpractice and irresponsibility today, August 29. Using the Hinterland Trading Extreme Hot Pepper Seed Collection, we germinated the Trinidad Moruga Scorpion seeds, hopefully to yield a successful batch of the hottest peppers in the world. Steps included:

• *WEARING PROTECTIVE LATEX GLOVES. Acid burns can easily occur through contact with the seeds alone. 
• Inserting a paper towel into a Tupperware container. 
• Dispersing the seeds over that surface.
• Placing a second paper towel over the seeds, and lightly dampening the towels. 

The setup is currently under a 15 Watt LED plant light producing red and blue frequencies for the most efficient absorption of light in addition to a heat lamp (spare desk lamp). 

Provided the seeds receive ample sunlight and an average temperature of 75 to 85 degrees, sprouting should occur within the upcoming weeks and planting can occur.