In previous article I discussed the proper way to store collected seeds. Now, when you decide to use the seeds you have stored you should test their viability, particularly if they have been stored for longer than one year.
To test their viability you’ll need:
* Paper towels
* Spray bottle
* Sealable plastic bag
* Permanent marker
This can also be a good way to figure out the germination rate of the seeds that you’ve purchased from a store.
Dampen the paper towel with warm water, next, spread 10 seeds on the paper towel. Carefully fold up the paper towel, then place the dampened paper towel with the seeds in a plastic bag and seal it.
Use a permanent marker to record the date the seeds were placed on the towel. Place this plastic bag in a warm room until germination occurs.
Check this bag in one week and then again one week later. Most seeds will have germinated by then if they are viable. Using 10 seeds lets you easily calculate what percentage germinated. With that information, you know how thickly or thinly to sow your seeds to achieve the desired results.
the above is good advice. one word of caution though…i grow a lot of chilli peppers and some varieties such as habaner take a lot longer to germinate than two weeks. as a result be sure to test your seeds over a longer period than two weeks!