peppers - cross pollination

fortyonenorth · September 7, 2011

I'm a lazy seed saver. I don't bag or cage my tomatoes and peppers. I know that peppers cross more frequently than tomatoes and, sure enough, many of the commercially-purchased pepper seeds that I've grown have been crossed. Here's my question. If I want to save seed and re-grow peppers next year. How many plants should I grow to assure that I get at least one plant that is true-to-type. I know there are many variables, but I'm just looking for a ballpark based on personal experiences. Susan Ashworth says "up to 80% cross pollination" but I have a hard time believing that it's that high. My guess is that its probably in the 25-40% range, but I'd be interested in hearing from anyone with more experience than I.

September 7, 2011	#1
fortyonenorth Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: NW Indiana Posts: 1,150	peppers - cross pollination I'm a lazy seed saver. I don't bag or cage my tomatoes and peppers. I know that peppers cross more frequently than tomatoes and, sure enough, many of the commercially-purchased pepper seeds that I've grown have been crossed. Here's my question. If I want to save seed and re-grow peppers next year. How many plants should I grow to assure that I get at least one plant that is true-to-type. I know there are many variables, but I'm just looking for a ballpark based on personal experiences. Susan Ashworth says "up to 80% cross pollination" but I have a hard time believing that it's that high. My guess is that its probably in the 25-40% range, but I'd be interested in hearing from anyone with more experience than I.