Growing Log: Chilli Padi from Seed

Here is a detailed log of the journey of growing chilli padi from seeds.

Growing Log: Chilli Padi from Seed

Detailed process log

1 December 2024

I planted three chili padi seeds into individual seedling trays without soaking them prior. Hopefully, the conditions are suitable for germination without softening the seed by soaking them in water.

Chilli seeds sown in seedling trays

4 December 2024

Today, I soaked eight chilli padi seeds in water for 8 hours to soften the hard outer shell of these seeds. I have seen several gardening blogs mention the benefits of pre-soaking chilli seeds hence, I had to try it out myself!

After the 8 hours, I placed the seeds on some damp cotton pads in a dark spot. Once the seeds start to take root, I will then move these seeds into potted soil mix.

Chilli seeds on cotton pads

6 December 2024

The seeds I sowed directly into the soil without soaking germinated today! Took about 5 days.

Chilli padi seeds germinated in the seedling tray
Close-up shot of the top right cell

Additionally, two of the eight seeds on the cotton pad began rooting a little. Hence, I've moved them into separate pots. In order to create a greenhouse environment for the seed to germinate, plastic bags were placed over the pots.

Chilli padi seed 1
Chilli padi seed 2

8 December 2024

The seedlings are growing really quickly; they now have their first set of leaves.

Chili padi seedling with the first set of leaves
Seedling with three leaves

Additionally, I have also potted the rest of the seeds on the cotton pad as they have also started to take root. One of the seeds was sown in a terracotta pot, hopefully, it grows up nicely. I intend to gift it to my grandmother.

Chili padi pots by the windowsill
Chili padi seed in a terracotta pot

15 December 2024

Repotted 2 of the 3 seedlings that were in the seedling tray. Hopefully, I wasn't too rough with them and accidentally damaged the roots. And yes, only 2 out of 3 as one of the seedlings wasn't showing healthy growth.

The oldest chili padi seedling of this batch
The special chili padi with 3 seedling leaves instead of only 2

Here is an update of the rest of the seedlings, one week later.

Chili padi seedling in a round plastic pot
Chili padi seedling in a square plastic pot
Chili padi seedling in a terracotta pot
Chili padi seedlings by the window sill