We test our seed batches after drying and we also periodically check throughout the year to ensure viability.

We will not release a variety below 80% germination. However, because seeds are living organisms, we cannot guarantee 100% germination.

Under good conditions (proper temperature, moisture, soil, etc.), pepper seeds germinate at rates around 80–95%.

That said, some varieties, especially rare or superhot peppers, are more sensitive and may germinate more slowly or inconsistently.

Failure can occur for various reasons outside our control: improper sowing conditions (temperature, moisture, light), incorrect storage, age of the seeds, or poor handling by the buyer.

If your seeds did not germinate please contact us and we would be happy to assist you.

Store seeds in a cool, dry, dark place, ideally in airtight containers (like glass jars), away from moisture and direct light.

If stored properly, many pepper seeds remain viable for multiple years.

“Open pollinated” means that a pepper variety is allowed to pollinate naturally, via its own flowers (self pollination) or naturally by wind or insects (insects such as bees, or occasionally wind).

There is no controlled, human mediated crossing of varieties.

Usually yes, because many peppers self-pollinate, seeds from open-pollinated plants tend to “breed true to type.”

However, because peppers can also be pollinated by insects or wind, and while unintentional crosses are unlikely under typical garden conditions, there is still a small (but rare) possibility that a few saved-from-seed plants may show slight variation if unrelated varieties were grown nearby.

It’s generally fairly low. For example, for Capsicum annuum, a scientific study found a natural cross-pollination rate of about 1.2% under field conditions.

That said, reports and other sources give a wide range (from a few percent or higher under certain conditions), because the actual rate depends heavily on factors like variety, proximity, presence of pollinators, and growing environment.

No, because environment, growing conditions, and natural variation influence the final result. We cannot guarantee that every seed will produce peppers identical in every respect to the parent.