Do you wash your Chilli/Capsicum seeds?

[mcsee]

Here is a photo to show what the difference is between washed and unwashed seed collected from your vegetable garden. These are the seeds collected from some Jimmy Nardello sweet peppers and you'll notice the darker seeds look different from the others, the reason is they weren't washed.
When fresh Chilli/Capsicum seed is collected it is covered in the juices from the fruit and if they aren't properly cleaned, they dry to the darker colour and in some cases the seed actually starts to curl. Whether washing seed improves germination isn't known by me, but I'm sure the cleaner seed will last longer.

[Paulottie]

I know tomato have an inhibitor that coats the seeds but Then I just collect them on a paper towel and never had a problem.

When I have received commercial seed it has been white to pale straw in colour. So I guess that would look better. Youy could try a viability study over a few years or maybe you might get in touch with the heritage seed library or RHS. I'll post a link if you have trouble Googling them.

Sorry I don't really know what I'm talking about but was keen to chat with the furthest contact I've seen on this site! Where in Melbourne are you?

[mcsee]

I'll have to teach you how to ferment your tomato seeds.

I'll give the seeds a good workout in July when I sow them (our winter) as I have lots to play with.

I'm about 55km s/e of Melbourne.