Saving Chilli/Pepper Seed

[becky250970]

I'm really sorry for the silly question, I long for the day when I can offer advice...

Anyway, here goes! My chilli's/peppers are all ripening nicely and are well on their way to their final colour. How long do I have to leave them before I can save the seed from them? Are they ready when final colour is achieved or do I have to leave on the plant for a while after to be fully ripe to save the seed?

[Jillyreeves]

Hey Becky

We all ask them from time to time, well I know I do :-)
Have they been grown in isolation or with other chilli and pepper plants? I am thinking about cross pollination, thats why I ask.

[becky250970]

They are just growing on my windowsill. I'm not too bothered about cross pollination as long as something edible is produced, I'm just being too tight to buy some more seeds as they are only to grow in the house LOL. I should get an allotment next week so will think about doing things 'properly' then. It was more the sweet peppers really, it changed colour, I ate it and I kept the seed but now i'm thinking maybe I should have left it for a bit...

[Redpepper]

Hi Becky
Personally I just leave them to ripen to their full colour on the plant, pick and enjoy them and save the seeds by drying them on kitchen paper on a warm windowsill for a fortnight or so, then pop the seeds in a little paper envelope and keep them in a cool, dark place. They keep just fine. Even seeds saved this way from shop-bought peppers keep well too.
Hope this is helpful

[becky250970]

Thank you! I should be alright then as this is what I have done.