08crop

The 2008 Crop
*THE NEW BEGINNING*

Tobasco, Bhut Jolokia, Antillias Caribbean, Cayenne Thick, Chocolate Habanero, Thai Hot, Naga Dorset (Jolokia Family), Chilitepin, Thai Sun, Mini Bells

The 2008 crop was started on January 1st. Mainly because it makes it easier to track the progress. 72 seeds where planted - 8 different varieties - 9 seeds of each. (The Thai Sun's and the Mini Bell's will be posted later, I'm doing something special with those.) We will be tracking the progress weekly. This way we can see the nature of germination and what to expect from each variety during the first stages of growth.

DAY 1 - Sowing

Using a simple greenhouse setup from Home Depot, with dirt pods included, sowing was the easy part. The greenhouse came with directions, so we followed them, although it was as simple as adding warm water to the pods, watching them grow, poking a whole in each cell, and inserting the seeds. They have it set up now that it is basiclly hands free, and they work great. After the seeds were all in place, we covered them with soil, labeled them, and placed them on the counter with a warming blanket underneath to provide the heat needed for germination. The seeds need a constant temp of 80 - 90 degrees in order to germinate.

JANUARY 7th - WEEK 1 - FIRST SIGNS OF GROWTH

Although the seedlings are tiny, they are full of life. After the first week we are already getting seedlings! The most important thing at this stage is to make sure that you provide the young plants with lots of light, and warmth. As you can see, we are using large tube lights. I reccommend using 75w or better, and maintaining 16 hours of light and 8 hours of dark. Place your light(s) 6-8 inches above the top of the soil, almost resting it on the greenhouse lid, and be sure that you keep the seedlings moist.

Here is a photo of my set up. I am using a heating pad underneath the greenhouse to keep the temp. constant, and a 24" shop light that has 2 bulbs. You will see about what height to keep the light above the greenhouse. You will also notice the condensation on the greenhouse lid. Like I stated above, you need to keep these planys very moist. They thrive in hot and humid conditions for the first few weeks.

JANUARY 14th - WEEK 2

The photo ABOVE is the progress of the Bhut Jolokia's. They were the last to sprout, coming up just a few days ago. Notice the size difference in the Jolokia as supposed to the others, like the Thai Hot's, and the Antillias Caribbean's pictured below

The photo to the LEFT is a side veiw to give you an idea of the height of the seedlings

Pictured to the RIGHT are the Thai Hot. They have already doubled in size and have developed their first leaf cluster

Picture on the LEFT are more of the Antillias Caribbean, and the Thai Hot. You can also catch a glimpse of the Chocolate Habanero, and Naga Dorset. The Antillias Caribbean and the Thai Hots were the fisrt to sprout, and develop. More than likely, they will be the first to be transplanted later.

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