Saving pepper seeds.

[KarenO]

I would like to know the best way to isolate pepper blooms to prevent cross pollination and be certain of true seed.
Large Distance between varieties is not really an option for me, I have bagged tomato blooms but never peppers. Anybody have some pics of their bagged blooms I can draw inspiration from I would appreciate seeing them. Or do you cover the whole plant, I have yards of tulle so that's a possibility also.

[ilex]

Full plant, blossom or a gum drop the day before flower opens.

[KarenO]

Thank you for your reply Ilex
gum drop. not sure what that means
KarenO

[Cole_Robbie]

Hardware or point stores sell a paint strainer that is a mesh bag that fits into a 5-gallon bucket. If you pepper plants stay small, they are big enough to cover an entire plant.

[KarenO]

Originally Posted by Cole_Robbie

Hardware or point stores sell a paint strainer that is a mesh bag that fits into a 5-gallon bucket. If you pepper plants stay small, they are big enough to cover an entire plant.

thats a good idea! how much do they cost typically

[Cole_Robbie]

About $2 each. Sometimes a 3-pack is $5.

[KarenO]

Originally Posted by Cole_Robbie

About $2 each. Sometimes a 3-pack is $5.

Cool, thanks
KarenO

[ilex]

Glue not gum

[KarenO]

Originally Posted by ilex

Glue not gum

Thank you
KarenO

[shatbox]

The dollar tree near me has these pop-up hampers.

[jtjmartin]

Is pepper seed saving fairly similar to tomato? Bagging just keeps the insect pollinators away (and wind pollination is not as big a factor?)

[guruofgardens]

Karen - when I grew fewer than 10 pepper plants, I'd wrap some tulle or fine netting around the whole plant. But now I grow too many peppers and figure it's too much of a hassle to bag blossoms, though I will isolate a couple new-to-me peppers this year and grow them in pots with the tulle around them. (Or maybe the strainers)

I like the paint strainers idea, thanks Cole Robbie for the suggestion. Will have to check out a few stores for them. I'd never heard of them.

[ilex]

Originally Posted by jtjmartin

Is pepper seed saving fairly similar to tomato? Bagging just keeps the insect pollinators away (and wind pollination is not as big a factor?)

Yes, but crossing % is much higher. Like 50% or more. Flowers are open and very attractive to polinators.

I use isolating cages, 2-3 plants inside.

For just a few seeds, glue, or organza bags will do.

[jtjmartin]

Thanks!

[KarenO]

Originally Posted by ilex

Yes, but crossing % is much higher. Like 50% or more. Flowers are open and very attractive to polinators.

I use isolating cages, 2-3 plants inside.

For just a few seeds, glue, or organza bags will do.

Please tell me more about the glue option Ilex, Do you actually put glue on the blossom, I have saved seed from sweet peppers before that wound up crossed with hot hot hot ones and I do not need to save large amounts of seeds, just enough for personal use and trading a bit.
KarenO