Growing Peppers Indoors from Seed: The Complete Step-by-Step Guide

Growing peppers indoors from seed is a great way to enjoy fresh peppers all year, no matter your local climate. With the right supplies and care, you can successfully grow healthy pepper plants right in your home. Indoor gardening lets you start peppers early, control their environment, and avoid outdoor pests and unpredictable weather.

Choosing the best pepper varieties for inside growing, picking up the right equipment, and making sure your seedlings get enough light are key steps for indoor pepper success. You’ll also learn how to start seeds the right way, care for young plants, and help your peppers produce flowers and fruit.

Key Takeaways

• You can grow peppers inside by starting seeds and giving them enough light.
• Choose compact pepper varieties and use good soil and pots for best results.
• Pay attention to seedling care and transplanting to keep plants healthy indoors.

Choosing the Best Pepper Varieties for Indoor Growing

Picking the right pepper types will make indoor growing easier and more successful. Smaller plants with compact growth, steady yields, and suitable climates are best for limited indoor space.

Top Compact Pepper Varieties

When growing peppers inside, space is one of your biggest limits. Compact pepper plants are much easier to manage indoors than large bushy types. Small-fruiting varieties need less room and can even thrive in containers.

Popular compact options include:

Varieties like jalapeño, shishito, and mini bell peppers are favored for their size and yield when grown indoors. They easily fit on a windowsill or under grow lights. You can read more compact pepper recommendations at Stone Post Gardens.

Selecting Between Sweet and Hot Peppers

Both sweet and hot peppers can be successful indoors, but your choice should fit your cooking preferences and the warmth of your growing space.

Sweet bell peppers like ‘Mini Bell’ or ‘Lunchbox’ types give you crisp, mild fruits that suit salads and snacks. Hot peppers such as jalapeño, Thai, or serrano need less space and can handle a range of temperatures. Some types, like shishito, give mild peppers with a chance of heat, so you get variety in one crop.

Hot peppers often have shorter plants, while bell peppers can grow larger but there are many dwarf sweet pepper types perfect for containers. Small, quick-growing strains reduce waiting time and fit well in small pots. Review more details about choosing between pepper types at Pepper Geek.

Choosing Seeds: Heirloom vs Hybrid

You will need to pick between heirloom and hybrid pepper seeds when starting from scratch.

Heirloom pepper seeds are open-pollinated, so you can save seeds for the next season. These often include older favorites like ‘California Wonder’ bell or classic jalapeño. Heirlooms sometimes take longer to mature and may be less disease-resistant.

Hybrid seeds are bred for specific traits such as compact growth, heavy yields, or resistance to pests and disease. They can be a smart choice indoors where conditions are less predictable. However, you can’t always save seeds from hybrid plants, since their offspring may not match the parents.

For most beginners or anyone short on space, hybrid varieties designed for containers will help ensure strong results. More on choosing seeds can be found at Sher She Grows.

Considerations for Uncommon Varieties

You may want to try growing rare or unusual peppers like capsicum chinense types such as ghost peppers or habanero. These can grow indoors but have unique needs.

Some uncommon hot peppers need longer, warmer seasons indoors and high humidity to fruit well. They also need bright light—at least 12-16 hours a day from grow lights—to match their tropical origins.

Ornamental peppers like ‘Numex Twilight’ or mini decorative chilis are often easier to grow due to their smaller size and hardiness. These peppers can provide both beauty and a bit of spice if you want to try something different in your home. Get more tips for unusual peppers on Tower Landscape Design.

Essential Supplies and Equipment for Success

Starting peppers indoors requires more than just seeds. Getting the right supplies helps you create the best environment for healthy and strong seedlings. Paying attention to your containers, warmth, humidity, and soil quality will give your pepper plants a much better start.

Seed Starting Trays and Containers

Seed starting trays or individual containers are important for organizing your pepper seeds and making care easier. Using sturdy plastic trays with cells keeps each seedling separated and makes transplanting simple. Trays help control watering so that each seed gets the same amount of moisture.

Choose containers that are at least 2-3 inches deep. This allows enough room for root development without letting the seedlings get crowded. Reusable options like heavy-duty plastic trays tend to last longer and save money over time.

You can also try biodegradable pots, but plastic trays are usually easier to reuse and clean. For information and recommended products, you can check this supply list for growing peppers.

Seedling Heat Mats and Humidity Domes

Pepper seeds need warm soil to sprout well. Using a seedling heat mat under your trays helps keep the soil temperature steady, usually around 80°F (27°C). This makes germination faster and more consistent, especially in cool rooms.

A humidity dome fits right over your trays to create a greenhouse effect. It holds in warmth and keeps moisture levels high, preventing the soil from drying out too quickly. High humidity is key for pepper seeds since it keeps them from drying out before they can sprout.

Look for heat mats with adjustable settings and domes that fit your chosen trays tightly. Taking the dome off after your seeds sprout will protect your seedlings from mildew and stem problems. Strong germination rates can be achieved when both a heat mat and a dome are used together. Learn more about the benefits of a seedling heat mat and humidity dome setup.

Choosing the Right Potting Mix

Picking the correct potting mix is essential for healthy seedlings. Use a sterile seed starting mix with good drainage and aeration. Peat moss, coco coir, and perlite are popular ingredients that provide a light texture, making it easy for roots to grow.

Avoid standard garden soil since it may pack down and hold too much moisture, which can cause disease. Good potting mixes are free from weed seeds and pests, reducing problems as your peppers grow. Some mixes even have a little bit of starter fertilizer to help seedlings get established.

If you make your own mix, combine equal parts coco coir or peat moss with perlite or vermiculite. Always moisten the mix before planting your seeds. For highly rated commercial brands and tips on soil, see this guide on potting soil for peppers.

Timing: When to Start Pepper Seeds Indoors

Starting pepper seeds at the right time gives your plants a better chance to grow strong and produce more peppers. Your target date depends on your local climate, the last frost date, and the pepper varieties you choose.

Calculating the Best Planting Dates

Pepper seeds need to be started indoors about 6-8 weeks before your last expected frost date. Use a calendar to count backward from the last frost day to know when to plant. For example, if your last frost date is April 20, start seeds between late February and early March.

It helps to write these dates down or add them to a gardening checklist. This timing helps seedlings get big enough to handle transplanting and outdoor conditions. Peppers need warmth and time to grow, so this head start indoors is important.

A simple calculation method:

1. Find your last frost date
2. Count back 6-8 weeks
3. Mark your seed starting week on the calendar

Sticking to this schedule will help your pepper plants thrive when you move them outside. For extra details and a planting schedule, check out this guide for best results.

Understanding the Last Frost Date

The last frost date is the average date of the last freezing temperature in spring. Peppers are sensitive to cold and will stop growing or die if exposed to frost.

You can find this date using local gardening websites or from your county’s extension office. In colder areas, it’s especially important to get this date right because peppers need warm soil to grow.

Starting seeds too early means you might have to keep the young plants inside longer, which can make them tall and weak. Starting too late may not give them enough time to grow before it gets too hot outside. Watch for weather updates as the date gets close.

Timing for Different Pepper Types

Different peppers need slightly different timing, but most do best when started indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost. Hot peppers, like habaneros or ghost peppers, often need the full 8 weeks because they take longer to grow. Sweet bell peppers can usually be started 6-7 weeks before the last frost.

If you are growing rare or slow-growing types, check the seed packet for guidance. Some specialty peppers, like aji or very hot varieties, can benefit from an even earlier start indoors. For insights on when to start these seeds indoors, read this detailed breakdown.

Create a table to track your peppers:

Germinating Pepper Seeds Indoors

To germinate pepper seeds indoors, you need to use careful steps. Getting the seeds started the right way, keeping the right moisture and heat, and knowing when they sprout are all important for success.

Pre-Soaking and Preparing Seeds

Start by using fresh pepper seeds, as old seeds may not sprout as well. Pre-soaking seeds for a few hours in warm water can help soften the seed coat, speeding up germination. If you want extra protection, use a weak hydrogen peroxide solution for one minute to get rid of mold spores.

After soaking, use either the paper towel method or plant directly in a small container with seed starting mix. For the paper towel method, lay seeds on a damp—not wet—paper towel and place inside a resealable plastic bag or a clean container. Seal the bag to lock in moisture and label it with the date and pepper type.

Direct sowing is simple, too. Plant seeds about 1/4 inch deep in light, moist potting mix, with a couple of seeds per cell or pot. This increases your chances, as not every seed may sprout.

Maintaining Ideal Temperature and Moisture

Heat is key for germinating pepper seeds. Aim for a temperature between 68°F and 86°F (20–30°C). Some hot pepper varieties like ghost peppers need the higher end of that range. Use a seedling heat mat or keep trays near a warm heat source to reach these levels.

Check that the growing medium or paper towel stays moist but not soggy. Too much water can cause seeds to rot or mold. Use a spray bottle to gently mist if it starts to dry out. Humidity domes or sealed bags can help keep in moisture, but remember to open them daily to prevent mold.

Light is not necessary until seedlings emerge, but once you see green shoots, move them under grow lights or to a sunny window. Airflow is useful too, as it lowers mold risk.

Recognizing Signs of Germination

Check your seeds every two days. The first sign of germination is a tiny white root, called the radical, poking out from the seed coat. For paper towel methods, open the bag and gently inspect for growth. Use clean tweezers to move sprouted seeds to pots, being careful not to break the root.

When direct sowing, germinated seeds will push up a bent stem as they break the soil surface. Count on most pepper seeds to sprout anywhere from 4 to 14 days after planting, depending on heat and pepper type. Super hot types can take longer.

Once you spot roots or stems, handle seedlings gently and transplant them into small pots with fresh potting mix. Water them softly and keep them warm so they continue to grow. For step-by-step visuals and troubleshooting tips, visit this detailed guide on germinating pepper seeds.

Grow Lights: Ensuring Optimal Light for Peppers

Peppers need strong, steady light to grow well indoors from seed. Using the right grow lights and light routines gives your plants the energy they need for healthy leaves, flowers, and fruit.

Types of Grow Lights for Peppers

Grow lights come in several main types. These include LED grow lights, fluorescent bulbs, and less often, high-pressure sodium or metal halide lights. For growing peppers indoors, LED grow lights and fluorescent options are most common.

LED grow lights last many years, use less electricity, and run cool. They give a full spectrum of light, similar to sunlight, which supports every growth stage. Fluorescent lights, like T5 bulbs, are cheaper up front and also run cool, but they don’t last as long. Some growers still use compact fluorescents (CFL), but these are less effective for fruiting plants like peppers.

Below is a quick comparison:

LED vs Fluorescent Options

LED grow lights are highly recommended for peppers because they produce a balanced, full spectrum that the plants use for both leafy growth and fruiting. Most models have dimmable settings and can be adjusted in height, making them easy to use as your plants get bigger.

Fluorescent lights, like T5 tubes, are good for starting pepper seeds and growing small seedlings. However, you may notice slower growth or leggy plants if you try to grow peppers to full size or fruit under only fluorescent lighting. Replacement bulbs and shorter lifespans can also raise long-term costs. If you want to keep things simple and provide strong light during all stages, choose LED grow lights for peppers.

Light Duration and Positioning

Pepper plants need 12 to 16 hours of light each day when grown indoors. Not enough light will make stems long and thin. Too much direct light or heat can burn the leaves. For best results, set your grow lights on a timer.

Keep LED grow lights 12-24 inches above the tops of your pepper plants. Fluorescent lights can be a little closer, around 6-12 inches over seedlings. As plants grow, adjust light height to keep the right distance and make sure all leaves get even light. Use reflective materials or a grow tent to direct more light to your plants and avoid wasting energy.

Caring for Pepper Seedlings

Pepper seedlings need special attention to thrive indoors. The main factors are steady watering habits, good airflow, balanced humidity, and transplanting at the right time.

Watering Schedules and Techniques

Pepper seedlings prefer soil that is moist but not soggy. Watering too often or too little will either cause root rot or dry out young roots.

Check the soil surface and the weight of the container each day. If the top inch of soil feels dry or the pot feels light, it’s time to water. Use a spray bottle or water from the bottom by filling the tray underneath. This prevents damping off, a common seedling disease.

Never allow water to pool in the tray for long periods. Let pots drain well after each watering. Keep a simple chart or notes of your watering times so you can see if seedlings need changes in their schedule. As seedlings grow, they use water faster and may need daily checks.

Proper Airflow and Humidity Control

Indoor pepper plants benefit from good airflow to prevent mold and fungal diseases. Use a small fan set on low, aiming near but not directly at the plants, for a few hours daily. This mimics outdoor breezes and helps strengthen stems.

Humidity should be moderate. Too much moisture leads to mold, while air that’s too dry can stunt seedling growth. Try to keep humidity around 50-60%. If you notice white mold on the soil, scrape it off and run your fan longer.

If your indoor area is dry (especially in winter), set a shallow tray of water near seedlings to add moisture, but avoid wetting the leaves directly. Keeping seedlings spaced out also helps airflow. For more ways to maintain healthy indoor peppers, see this pepper plant care guide.

Thinning and Transplanting Seedlings

When more than one seedling sprouts per cell or pot, thin out extras so only the strongest remains. Use clean scissors to snip weaker seedlings at the soil line—don’t pull, or you’ll disturb the roots of the plant you want to keep.

Thinning reduces competition for water and nutrients. When seedlings are 1-2 inches tall with true leaves, start thinking about transplanting. Move each plant to its own container, about 3-4 inches wide. Use a fresh seed starting mix for the best drainage and air.

Transplant carefully, supporting the seedling by its leaves (not the stem) to prevent damage. This encourages strong, healthy growth as your peppers transition to larger pots or eventual outdoor planting. Find detailed tips on this process with this step-by-step guide to caring for pepper seedlings after germination.

Transplanting and Potting Up Indoor Pepper Plants

Transplanting is a key step when you start pepper plants from seed indoors, helping them grow strong and healthy. Knowing when to move your seedlings, what pots to use, and how to transfer them safely can prevent common problems like stunted growth and root damage.

Timing and Signs for Transplanting

You should transplant pepper seedlings about 3 to 4 weeks after they germinate. The best time is when they reach about two inches tall and have at least four true leaves. If you see roots poking out of the bottom of their container or cells, it means the roots need more space.

Another sign it’s time to transplant is slow growth. If your seedlings seem stuck at one size, they are likely root-bound. This means their roots are tangled and cramped, which will slow leaf growth and produce unhealthy peppers if not fixed.

Always check your calendar and the size of your plants before transplanting. Waiting too long or repotting too early can lead to weak plants or even transplant shock. For more on how to pick the right time, visit this guide on transplanting pepper plants.

Selecting the Right Containers

Choose a clean container that is about 3 to 4 inches wide for the first potting up. Options like plastic nursery pots or even 16-ounce cups with drainage holes at the bottom work well. Good drainage is important, as peppers do not grow well if their roots stay soggy.

Use a well-draining, lightweight potting mix. Seedling mix or general vegetable potting soil is a good choice. If you plan to move your peppers to larger pots later, make sure each new pot is about twice the size of the last one. Avoid using a container that’s too big at first since the extra soil holds too much water and can cause root rot.

Make sure each pot is labeled with the pepper variety. This helps if you are growing several types of peppers indoors.

Steps for Safe Potting Up

Prepare by watering your pepper seedlings an hour before transplanting. Damp soil holds together better, making the roots easier to move.

1. Add moistened potting mix to the new container, filling it about three-quarters full.
2. Gently remove the seedling from its current pot. Squeeze or tap the sides and turn it upside down if needed to ease out the root ball.
3. Place the seedling into the new pot so the top of the root ball is level with the new soil surface.
4. Add more mix around the seedling, pressing lightly to remove air pockets, but avoid packing it too firmly.
5. Lightly water after potting up to help the roots settle in.

If the plant is tall or leggy, you can bury the stem up to the first set of true leaves. This encourages a stronger root system but only do so for young, green stems. Avoid burying woody stems as they may rot.

Move your newly potted peppers back to their growing area, making sure they have enough light and warmth. For more transplanting tips and visuals, check this detailed step-by-step guide.

Growing Healthy Indoor Pepper Plants

Peppers grown indoors need extra care to stay strong and productive. Light, proper nutrients, and gentle control of pests help your plants thrive in containers all year.

Feeding and Organic Fertilizer Use

Peppers need regular feeding to stay healthy when grown indoors. Choose a balanced organic fertilizer that contains nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium for steady growth and fruiting. Apply fertilizer every 2-3 weeks, but do not overfeed, as this can harm the roots.

Use liquid organic fertilizers, like fish emulsion or compost tea, for easy mixing with water. Granular slow-release options are also useful for longer-lasting effects. Always follow label instructions and water after feeding. When peppers begin to flower, use a fertilizer with slightly more phosphorus to help set fruit. For more tips, see this pepper feeding guide.

Temperature and Humidity Management

Peppers grow best indoors at temperatures between 70-85°F (21-29°C) during the day. At night, keep temperatures above 60°F (16°C). Avoid drafts and direct blasts from heaters or AC units, as sudden changes can stress your peppers. Use a simple room thermometer to monitor conditions.

Ideal humidity for peppers is about 50-70%. If the air is too dry, leaves may curl or drop flowers early. Raise humidity by placing a tray of water near your plants, using a humidifier, or misting the leaves with water. Make sure there is good air movement with a small fan, but avoid strong winds that can dry plants out fast. Managing warmth and humidity is key for steady indoor growth. For more climate tips, visit this growing guide.

Managing Common Pests and Diseases

Growing peppers indoors does not make them immune to pests and disease. Common insects include aphids, spider mites, and whiteflies. Check leaves often, especially underneath, for tiny bugs or spots. Remove small infestations by wiping leaves with a damp cloth or spraying with water.

If pests continue, use insecticidal soap or neem oil, both of which are safe for indoor edible plants. Space plants apart to allow airflow and reduce disease risk. Root rot and powdery mildew can happen if soil stays too wet or humidity is too high. Water only when the top inch of soil is dry and quickly remove any dying leaves. Learn more about indoor pepper pests at this helpful article.

Encouraging Flowering and Fruit Production

To help your indoor pepper plants produce flowers and fruit, you need the right care, good pollination, and proper pruning. Giving peppers enough light and food is essential, but these extra steps will make a big difference in your harvest.

Pollination Tips for Indoor Peppers

Inside, peppers do not have wind or insects to help with pollination. You must pollinate the flowers yourself for fruit to form. Use a small, soft paintbrush or a cotton swab.

Gently swirl the brush inside each flower for a few seconds. Repeat this every two to three days when flowers are open. Some people also gently shake the whole plant, which can mimic the action of wind.

Make sure your growing space has good airflow. This keeps pollen from getting too sticky and helps flowers open fully. Temperatures around 70–80°F in the daytime and 60–70°F at night improve pollination success. You can learn more about increasing fruit production for indoor pepper plants at sites like ShunCy.

Pruning and Supporting Pepper Plants

Pruning helps peppers put energy into making flowers and fruits instead of extra leaves. It also keeps plants the right size for indoor spaces.

Remove any small shoots (“suckers”) that grow between the main stem and branches. Cut off dead or yellow leaves at any time. Once the plant is 8–10 inches tall, pinch off the tips of the main stems. This encourages bushier growth and more branches for flowers.

Indoor pepper plants often get top-heavy with fruit. Use stakes, soft ties, or small cages to support branches as needed. This protects stems from breaking under heavy fruit.

Harvest Timing and Techniques

Harvest peppers with clean, sharp scissors or pruners. Cut the stem just above the fruit, leaving a short stem attached. Avoid pulling peppers by hand, which can damage branches.

Pick peppers when they reach full size and color for their variety. Green peppers can be harvested early, but the flavor improves as they ripen to red, orange, or yellow. Regular picking encourages the plant to keep producing more flowers and fruit.

Check your plants every few days. If fruit is left on the plant too long, it can slow down new growth and reduce your yield. For more on when and how to harvest, this detailed guide offers helpful timing tips.

Troubleshooting Common Indoor Pepper Challenges

When growing peppers indoors from seed, you might encounter issues like slow growth, yellow leaves, excess moisture, or watering mistakes. Paying close attention to your plants helps keep them healthy and productive for longer.

Addressing Slow Growth and Yellowing

If your pepper plants grow slowly or develop yellow leaves, the most common reasons are low light, poor soil nutrients, and cold temperatures. Make sure your grow lights provide strong, full-spectrum light for at least 14-16 hours per day. A regular household window is usually not enough for peppers to thrive indoors.

Use a balanced fertilizer to feed your plants. Start with a weak solution and increase as they grow. Signs of nutrient deficiencies can include leaves turning yellow between the veins or overall pale foliage. Keeping the temperature above 70°F (21°C) during the day also supports growth.

Checklist for slow growth and yellowing:

• Check light intensity and duration.
• Confirm soil is fresh and well-draining.
• Feed with a balanced liquid fertilizer.
• Keep room temperature above 70°F (21°C).

For more on these issues, visit this detailed guide on common pepper plant problems.

Handling Humidity and Mold Issues

Indoor peppers like moderate humidity, around 40-60%. If humidity is too high or there is poor airflow, mold or fungal growth may appear on the soil or leaves. Mold often looks like a white or gray fuzzy coating.

Use a small fan near your plants to increase air movement, and avoid overcrowding. If you see mold, gently scrape it off and let the soil surface dry before watering again. You can also lower humidity by ventilating the room or using a dehumidifier.

To prevent mold, avoid letting water sit on the leaves and keep your containers clean. Sterilize your soil before use, especially if growing inside, to prevent pests and diseases. For more tips on growing peppers indoors, see this complete guide.

Recovering from Overwatering and Underwatering

Overwatering is a common mistake in indoor pepper plant care. Signs include wilted leaves with wet soil, and sometimes yellow or brown lower leaves. Underwatering shows up as droopy, dry leaves and soil pulling away from the pot edge.

Let the soil dry slightly between waterings. Container-grown peppers prefer soil that is moist but not soggy. Check moisture by touching the top inch of soil. If it feels dry, it’s time to water. Always empty extra water from trays under pots.

If you overwatered, allow the soil to dry out and remove any standing water. For underwatered plants, soak the soil thoroughly, then let excess water drain. Providing pots with drainage holes and avoiding heavy soils helps prevent most watering issues. For troubleshooting more pepper problems, check this practical guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Growing peppers from seed indoors brings up many practical questions on germination, seed selection, and early plant care. You’ll find helpful details here on techniques and what to expect at each step, from starting seeds to encouraging strong indoor peppers.

What is the optimal way to start pepper seeds indoors using the paper towel method?

To start pepper seeds using the paper towel method, dampen a paper towel and place seeds evenly spaced apart. Fold the towel over the seeds, then put it inside a clear plastic bag or container. Keep it in a warm spot, around 75–85°F.

Check for sprouting daily and keep the towel moist, but not soaked. Once the seeds sprout roots, they can be transferred to starter pots.

How long does it take for pepper seeds to germinate and produce fruit when grown indoors?

Pepper seeds usually take 7 to 21 days to germinate, with warmth speeding this up. Once planted and growing, peppers usually need 60 to 90 days to produce fruit, depending on the variety.

Factors like temperature, light, and pepper type can affect both germination and fruiting time. Using proper indoor growing conditions helps you maintain steady growth until harvest. For more details, visit this indoor pepper growing guide.

What are the best practices for planting pepper seeds directly in pots indoors?

Use a seed starting mix rather than regular potting soil, as it is lighter and helps roots develop. Plant seeds about ¼ inch deep in small pots or trays, keeping the soil damp but not soggy.

Set the pots in a warm spot with plenty of light. Seedlings need 14 to 16 hours of light per day to avoid weak, leggy growth. Thin to one strong seedling per pot once sprouts appear.

Can you grow healthy pepper plants from seeds of fresh peppers, and how is it done?

You can grow peppers from fresh store-bought peppers, but seeds from ripe and mature fruits work best. Rinse seeds from the pepper and let them dry for a few days before planting.

Directly sow the dried seeds into damp seed starting mix in pots. Germination may be less predictable than with packaged seeds, but healthy plants are possible if you provide the right conditions. For step-by-step instructions, see how to plant bell pepper seeds indoors.

Is it beneficial to soak pepper seeds before sowing them for indoor cultivation, and why?

Soaking pepper seeds for a few hours or overnight in warm water before planting can soften the seed coat. This makes it easier for seeds to sprout, especially if they are older or have a hard shell.

While not always required, soaking helps speed up germination and can lead to more even sprouting.

What are effective methods to accelerate the germination of pepper seeds for indoor gardening?

To speed up germination, keep seeds consistently warm using a heat mat set to 75–85°F. Using the paper towel method inside a plastic bag also creates a humid microclimate that helps.

Make sure the seeds never dry out, but avoid soaking the medium. Combine warmth, moisture, and fresh seeds for the fastest and most reliable sprouts. See more tips in this beginner’s guide to growing peppers from seed.