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Seedling Heat Mat

 First time to try using a seedling heat mat to start the hottest of the hot peppers.  I typically do not have any problems starting my jalapenos, but the hotter peppers like the Serrano etc. I do.

I bought my heat mat online, and about $10.00 less than at our hardware/garden store (be sure to check reviews).

The one I bought was a simple, plug it in and put your seed tray on it.  There were a lot of "don'ts" so I put my mat and tray on my wood stove hearth (we are not using the wood stove right now).



In 6 days the serrano pepper seeds started to sprout.

In 7 days the cayenne started to sprout.

In 9 days the Datil started sprouting.  Did you know these are native to St. Augustine, FL?  I just learned this fun fact.

In 10 days the Cherry Bomb peppers, and Anaheim peppers started to sprout.

My hot banana have not sprouted yet (those were saved seeds), so I will keep an eye on that.  So far, it's helped the hot peppers to sprout much better than without the mat.  My jalapeno are not on the heat mat and have all sprouted.






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Comments

Carol said…
I do not grow hot peppers, but I wondered if I should use a heat mat to start some of our early plants this year. Have you used one for any other plants?
February 26, 2023 at 9:11 AM
Pioneer Woman at Heart said…
Carol, I have not, as the other seeds typically come up with grow lamps on them.
February 26, 2023 at 10:35 AM
Leigh said…
I've wondered about these, so I find your experiment interesting. Sounds like the mat is worth it! Shame is so much more expensive locally. I like supporting local merchants, but sometimes my pocketbook doesn't stretch further than my needs.
February 27, 2023 at 6:01 AM
Pioneer Woman at Heart said…
Leigh, I never thought of it until I did research on sprouting the hottest of the peppers. I have had trouble getting them to sprout for years. Not anymore.
February 27, 2023 at 7:36 AM
Debi said…
I've never used a heat mat but wonder if it would help my green peppers sprout. I'm starting them inside earlier this year in hopes that that will work.
February 28, 2023 at 10:02 AM
Pioneer Woman at Heart said…
Debi, I may purchase another one for my green peppers next spring. I'm having a bit of trouble getting them to sprout all at the same time. The jalapenos, on the other hand, have no mat and all seeds sprouted. My hot banana have yet to sprout though on the heat mat.
February 28, 2023 at 12:00 PM
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