You can follow the steps below to grow healthy and productive peppers. We have covered the process from seed to harvest in detail!

📌 Seed Selection and Preparation

Seed selection is very important for growing quality and healthy peppers. To speed up germination, you can soak the seeds in warm water for 12-24 hours to allow them to absorb water. This method helps the seeds germinate faster. Alternatively, you can wrap the seeds in a damp paper towel and keep them in a closed container for a few days to accelerate sprouting.

📌 Germination Phase (7-21 Days)

An ideal environment should be provided for healthy seed germination.

Pot and Soil Selection
You can use small seed trays, peat pots, or plastic cups for germination. Light soil with good drainage is best: a mixture of 50% peat + 30% cocopeat + 20% perlite is recommended.

Germination Conditions
Seeds should be sown 0.5 - 1 cm deep, and the temperature should be maintained between 20-30°C. The soil should be slightly moist, but overwatering should be avoided. Direct sunlight is not necessary during the germination phase, but after sprouting, they should receive 12-14 hours of light per day. You can cover the pot with a clear lid or cling film to maintain humidity.

📌 Seedling Development (2-6 Weeks)

Regular care is required for the healthy development of germinated pepper seedlings.

Pot Size
Small pots (8-10 cm in diameter) are sufficient in the initial stage. When 2-4 true leaves emerge, you can transfer the seedlings to larger pots or the garden.

Light and Temperature
After germination, seedlings should receive 12-14 hours of light per day. If natural light is insufficient, grow lights can be used. Daytime temperature should be 22-26°C, and nighttime temperature should be 15-18°C. Air circulation is important, but you should not expose seedlings to direct wind.

Watering and Nutrient Supplementation
You should water as the soil surface dries out. Overwatering can cause root rot. Bottom watering promotes better root development. A light liquid fertilizer (nitrogen-rich) can be applied from the 2nd week, but over-fertilizing can burn the roots.

📌 Transplanting Seedlings to Larger Pots or the Garden

Seedlings should be moved to larger pots or the garden when they reach 8-10 cm in height.

Pot Selection and Drainage
If growing in pots, a pot of at least 20-30 cm in diameter and 20-40 cm deep is required. For larger pepper varieties, larger pots of 40 cm in diameter should be preferred. The pot should have drainage holes at the bottom to allow excess water to drain.

Soil Selection
A slightly acidic soil with a pH level of 5.8 - 6.5 is best. Nutrient-rich soil should be used. Recommended mixture:

Planting Distance
If growing in a pot, only one seedling should be used. If growing in the garden, leave 40-50 cm between rows and 30-40 cm between plants.

📌 Growth and Care Process (8-12 Weeks)

Regular care is necessary for the healthy development of the plant at this stage.

Watering
Water in the early morning or evening. Increase the amount of water during flowering and fruiting. Drip irrigation or bottom watering are the healthiest methods.

Fertilization
For the first 4 weeks, use nitrogen-rich fertilizer (for leaf and stem development), phosphorus fertilizer before flowering (to encourage flowering), and potassium-rich fertilizer during fruit formation (for pepper growth and taste).

Pruning and Support
You can increase air circulation by pruning the lower leaves. Cutting side branches helps the plant direct its energy to the fruit. For larger pepper varieties, you can use a support stake to prevent the plant from breaking.

📌 Flowering and Fruit Set (10-16 Weeks)

Pinching off the first flowers strengthens the plant's root system, allowing it to produce more fruit. Peppers can self-pollinate, but a light breeze or hand pollination increases yield.

📌 Fruit Development and Harvest (16-20 Weeks)

The fruit ripening period varies between 3-6 weeks, depending on the pepper variety. Peppers can be picked when green, but you can wait for them to change color for full ripeness. When harvesting, use scissors or a knife instead of twisting them off. Regular harvesting encourages new flowers to bloom and increases yield.

📌 Summary: Pepper Growing Calendar

✔ Germination: 7-21 days (20-30°C, moist soil)
✔ Seedling growth: 2-6 weeks (12-14 hours of light, appropriate watering)
✔ Transplanting: 8-10 cm seedlings are moved to larger pots or the garden.
✔ Growth: 8-12 weeks (regular watering, fertilization, pruning)
✔ Flowering and fruiting: 10-16 weeks
✔ Harvest: 16-20 weeks

Growing peppers indoors allows for more controlled and efficient production without being affected by outdoor weather conditions. With the right balance of light, temperature, and nutrients, you can grow peppers all year round. At Cokacıolmuş, we grow peppers both outdoors and indoors. With our special cultivation systems, we use controlled climate control and LED grow lights to produce rare and highly pungent peppers under the best conditions. Let's share the experiences we've gained in indoor cultivation with you!

📌 Space and Pot Selection

Peppers should be grown in deep, well-draining pots or soil beds. Pots should be at least 20-30 cm deep, and a light, well-draining, peat-based soil mix rich in organic matter should be used. The pot should have holes at the bottom for excess water to drain out. We grow our peppers using a controlled soil mix. We achieve more efficient growth with mixes containing peat, perlite, and natural fertilizers.

📌 Light and Lighting

Since natural sunlight is insufficient indoors, you should use grow lights. Full-spectrum LED grow lights are the best option. LED lights between 100W-200W are suitable for 1-2 plants; more powerful lights are needed for larger production. It is important for plants to receive 12-14 hours of light and have a 10-12 hour dark cycle daily. You should position the lamp 30-40 cm above the plants. In our professional growing areas, we use powerful LED grow lights like Harvest Master. This allows plants to grow efficiently with balanced light throughout the year.

📌 Temperature and Humidity Control

Controlling temperature and humidity levels is crucial for growing peppers indoors. Daytime temperatures should be maintained between 22-28°C, and nighttime temperatures between 16-20°C. Humidity should be between 50-70%, and ventilation should be provided as excessive humidity can lead to diseases. You can keep plants healthy by using a small fan or ventilation system. In our enclosed spaces, we ensure our peppers grow in an ideal environment with heating, cooling, and humidity control systems. We prevent diseases like mold and mildew by maintaining regular ventilation.

📌 Watering and Nutrient Support

Indoor watering should be regular and balanced. The soil should be slightly moist, but there should be no water accumulation. Liquid fertilizers containing nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) can be used for healthy pepper growth. In our growing areas, we provide plants with the right amount of water at the right time. We use natural fertilizers and biological enhancers as nutrient supplements.

📌 Pollination Process

While wind and bees provide pollination outdoors, you may need to do this manually indoors. You can trigger pollination by gently vibrating the flowers with a small brush or an electric toothbrush. Alternatively, you can create airflow using a small fan to allow the flowers to pollinate naturally. In our indoor production areas, we create a natural airflow using small fans. Sometimes, we increase yield by manual pollination.

📌 Can I obtain seeds from peppers sold in vacuum-sealed bags?

Yes, you can obtain seeds from peppers sold in vacuum-sealed bags. However, the freshness and unprocessed state of the pepper can affect the germination rate. As çokacıolmuş, we pick our peppers fresh from the branch and package them securely in vacuum-sealed bags to deliver them to our customers.

📌 How should I extract the seeds from the pepper?

You can cut the pepper in half and carefully separate the healthy and plump seeds inside. You should select quality seeds by discarding small and wrinkled ones. If the seeds are stuck to the fleshy part of the pepper, you can rinse them lightly with water and dry them with a paper towel.

📌 How can I prepare the seeds for planting?

You should leave the seeds to dry in a shaded and airy place for 5-7 days. Keep them away from direct sunlight and protect them from excessive heat. When completely dry, they will become hard and brittle. To test the germination rate, you can wrap a few seeds in a damp paper towel and keep them in a warm environment (20-30°C) for 3-7 days. If sprouting occurs, the seeds are ready for planting.

📌 How should I store the seeds?

Seeds should be stored in a cool, dry, and dark place in airtight glass jars, zip-lock bags, or vacuum-sealed containers. To protect them from moisture, you can place rice or silica gel packets in the storage container. You can prevent confusion by labeling the type of pepper and the date they were obtained. You can store the seeds in the refrigerator (+4°C) to prevent them from being affected by temperature changes, but be careful not to freeze them.

📌 Can I plant the seeds from a vacuum-sealed bag immediately?

Yes, you can plant them directly, but pre-preparation is recommended to increase the germination rate. Fresh seeds can germinate when planted directly, but since their shells are still moist, they may be prone to rot. For better results, it may be beneficial to soak the seeds in warm water for 12-24 hours or pre-germinate them by wrapping them in a damp paper towel for 3-7 days.

📌 Will the peppers grown from these seeds be the same as the original?

If the seeds are not hybrid and are not genetically modified, you will most likely obtain the same type of pepper. As çokacıolmuş, we only sell the peppers we share; we do not sell any other products.

📌 How long can I store the seeds?

When stored properly, pepper seeds can retain their germination ability for 3-5 years. However, the germination rate may decrease each year, so you can check their viability by performing a small germination test before planting old seeds. 🌱🔥

Scoville is a unit used to measure the spiciness of peppers, expressed as Scoville Heat Unit (SHU). The spiciness of peppers depends on the amount of capsaicin they contain. Capsaicin stimulates the nerve endings in the tongue, causing a burning sensation, and the Scoville scale is used to determine the intensity of this effect.

📌 The Scoville Scale: How Hot Are Different Peppers?

The higher the value on the Scoville scale, the spicier the pepper. Here are the spiciness levels of some popular peppers:

🌶 Sweet Pepper (Bell Pepper): 0 SHU (Not spicy at all)
🌶 Jalapeño: 2,500 - 8,000 SHU (Medium spicy)
🌶 Serrano: 10,000 - 23,000 SHU (Sharp spicy)
🌶 Cayenne Pepper: 30,000 - 50,000 SHU (Intensely spicy)
🌶 Thai Chili: 50,000 - 100,000 SHU (Very spicy)
🌶 Habanero: 100,000 - 350,000 SHU (Intense burning sensation)
🌶 Ghost Pepper (Bhut Jolokia): 850,000 - 1,041,427 SHU (Extremely spicy)
🌶 Carolina Reaper: 1,500,000 - 2,200,000 SHU (One of the world's spiciest peppers)

New record-breaking peppers also include varieties such as Pepper X (3,180,000 SHU).

📌 I Ate Something Very Spicy, What Should I Do?

Drinking water to alleviate the spiciness might be the wrong choice, as capsaicin is not water-soluble. Instead:

✅ Milk or yogurt: The casein protein in them dissolves capsaicin.
✅ Fatty foods: Olive oil, peanut butter, or full-fat milk can be effective.
✅ Sugar or honey: Sweet foods can balance the spiciness in the tongue.
✅ Bread or rice: Starchy foods can absorb capsaicin and reduce its effect.

The Scoville scale is a great guide to understanding the spiciness levels of peppers and choosing the right ones for your kitchen. How high is your spice tolerance? 😈🔥

📌 Are your products natural?

Yes, all our products are made from natural ingredients. We use fresh, high-quality ingredients, free from additives, preservatives, or artificial flavors.

📌 How are your peppers grown?

We grow our peppers both in open fields and in controlled indoor environments. We use natural farming methods, avoiding chemical fertilizers and pesticides, to ensure healthy and high-quality production.

📌 Do your products contain additives?

No, our products do not contain any additives, colorants, or preservatives. They are prepared with completely natural ingredients.

📌 How is the heat level determined?

The heat of the peppers is determined using the Scoville Heat Unit (SHU) scale. We test the heat levels of the peppers we grow and categorize our products accordingly.

📌 What is the shelf life of your products?

The shelf life of products may vary depending on their content. You can check the expiration date indicated on the packaging. To maintain the freshness of the products, it is recommended to store them in a cool, dry place away from sunlight.

📌 Do you produce your products yourselves?

Yes, we manage the entire production process ourselves. We process the peppers we grow to produce our products.

📌 Can I visit your production facility?

Currently, we do not accept individual visits, but we continue to share our production process and how our products are made on our social media accounts.

📌 Can I make wholesale purchases?

Yes, we offer special pricing for individual customers, businesses, and retailers who wish to make wholesale purchases. For detailed information, you can contact us at info@cokaciolmus.com.

📌 How can I access the ingredient information for your products?

The ingredient information for all our products is detailed on the packaging.

📌 Do you use sustainable methods in the production of your products?

Yes, we value sustainable agriculture and production methods. We use natural and efficient production techniques to minimize waste and ensure water and energy savings.

📌 Do you use chemical pesticides or fertilizers in production?

No, we do not use chemical pesticides or artificial fertilizers in our production. We nourish our plants with natural methods and ensure their healthy growth.

📌 What payment methods do you accept?

You can securely make your payments with a credit card or debit card. Currently, we do not have a cash-on-delivery option.

📌 Can I cancel my order?

If your order has not yet been shipped, you can cancel it. You must submit your cancellation request to info@cokaciolmus.com as soon as possible. Orders that have already been shipped cannot be canceled.

📌 Can I make a return?

Due to hygiene rules for food products, returns are not accepted. However, if there is an error or a missing item in your order, you can contact us to request a solution.

📌 What should I do if I receive a damaged or wrong product?

If your order arrived incomplete or incorrect, we kindly ask you to first take a photo of your package and report the situation to info@cokaciolmus.com. We will provide you with a solution as soon as possible.

📌 Can I exchange my product?

Since food products are not covered by exchange policies, exchanges cannot be made. However, if you experience a problem with your order, you can contact us for support.

📌 How does the return process work?

If you are eligible for a return, the refund will be credited to your bank account after the approval process. The return process may take 5-10 business days depending on your bank's processing times.

📌 When will the refund be issued?

For approved return transactions, the refund will be reflected in your bank account within 5-10 business days, depending on your payment method.

📌 Is the shipping fee refunded in case of a return or cancellation?

In case of cancellation or return of your order, the shipping fee is at the expense of cokaciolmus.

📌 When will my order be shipped?

Your orders are prepared and delivered to cargo within 1-3 business days. This period may vary for custom-made products or products with limited stock. You will receive a tracking number when your order is shipped.

📌 Which shipping company do you use?

We ship our orders with Aras Kargo. However, depending on your region, we may also work with different shipping companies.

📌 How much is the shipping fee?

As of March 2025, the shipping fee is 100 TL.

📌 Do you ship internationally?

Currently, we do not have international shipping. However, we plan to add this option in the future!

📌 How can I track my order?

When your order is shipped, your tracking number will be shared with you via email or SMS. With this number, you can check the status of your order on the shipping company's website.

📌 What is the delivery time?

Delivery time may vary depending on your city and the shipping company's workload. Generally:

Istanbul and major cities: 1-3 business days

Other cities: 2-5 business days

📌 What should I do if my shipment is delayed?

If your order has exceeded the estimated delivery time, you can first check the status on the shipping company's website using your tracking number. If you are still experiencing a problem, you can contact us on Instagram at @cokaciolmus or at info@cokaciolmus.com.

📌 What should I do if I receive a damaged or missing product?

First, we recommend that you check the cargo package upon delivery. If the products arrive damaged or are missing, you can take a photo of the package and send it to us at info@cokaciolmus.com. We will resolve the issue as soon as possible!

📌 Can I change my delivery address?

If your order has not yet been shipped, you can change the address. Please contact us as soon as possible for this. After shipping, address changes are subject to the shipping company's procedures.

📌 Do you have a cash on delivery option?

Currently, we do not have a cash on delivery option. You can make your payments securely by credit card or debit card.

📌 Can I pick up my cargo from a branch?

Yes! If you want to pick up your package from a branch that is a delivery point for the shipping company, you can specify this when ordering or redirect it from the cargo tracking screen.