Starting Indoors

• 1). Find your average last frost date using the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map linked below. Plan to start banana pepper seeds indoors about two months before the average last frost date.
  
  
• 2). Buy a new package of banana pepper seeds. Fresh seeds are more likely to germinate than seeds left over from the previous year.
  
  
• 3). Soak the seeds in water overnight to soften seed casings so they sprout more easily.
  
  
• 4). Prepare a mix of five parts potting soil to one part vermiculite and one part perlite (optional) or use plain potting soil. Use a fresh bag of soil free of contaminants such as weeds and fungi that might kill the banana pepper seedlings.
  
  
• 5). Add water to the soil as need until it is moist but not soaked. Fill the seed trays, small pots or paper cups with moist soil.
  
  
• 6). Place the banana pepper seeds on top of the soil. With seed trays, place one seed in each cell. With small pots or paper cups, place a few seeds in each one. Depending on the size of the container, space seeds about 1 inch apart.
  
  
• 7). Use a sieve or pot with holes to cover the seeds with 1/4 inch of soil or gently sprinkle the soil over the seeds. Avoid planting banana pepper seeds too deep or they may not germinate.
  
  
• 8). Place the seed trays on germination heating mats (optional) or in a warm location. Once the seeds have sprouted (approximately two to three weeks), keep the seedlings in a warm, sunny window or under a grow light. Keep them watered so the soil is moist but not soaked.
  
  
• 9). Transfer 2- or 3-inch-tall seedlings to larger pots if needed.
  
  

Transplanting Seedlings Outdoors

• 1). Choose a warm, sunny location for the banana pepper plants. Wait until the danger of frost has passed before transplanting the seedlings outdoors.
  
  
• 2). Prepare the garden soil to make sure it is loose and free of weeds and debris. Add compost or an all-purpose fertilizer if needed.
  
  
• 3). Transfer the banana pepper seedlings to the garden spaced about 2 feet apart.
  
  
• 4). Keep the banana pepper plants watered, weeded and fertilized. Avoid using fertilizer high in nitrogen as this will encourage growth of the leaves but not the peppers.
  
  
• 5). Pick the banana peppers as they develop (about 65 to 75 days after transplanting, depending on the specific variety). Use pruning shears or kitchen scissors to remove the banana peppers.