The Effect of Seed Soaking on the Growth and Quality of Chili Peppers (Capsicum Frutescens L.)

Abstract

This study aimed to analyze the effect of seed soaking methods on the growth and quality of bird’s eye chili peppers (Capsicum frutescens L.). The study was conducted in Br. Titigalar, Bangli Village, Baturiti Subdistrict, Tabanan Regency, Bali, from September 2025 to February 2026. The study used a randomized block design with one treatment factor and three replications. The treatments consisted of Bp, which involved soaking the seeds for 12 hours in warm water with an initial temperature of 50 °C; Bg, which involved soaking the seeds in warm water with an initial temperature of 50 °C supplemented with 1 mL L⁻¹ of Golden Grow; and Bc, which involved soaking the seeds in tap water supplemented with 1 mL L⁻¹ of Golden Grow. The observed variables included plant height, stem diameter, number of leaves, fruit diameter, vitamin C content, and placenta weight. The results showed that the average plant height ranged from 67.42 to 71.29 cm, the stem diameter from 8.51 to 8.73 mm, and the number of leaves from 123.64 to 134.36. Fruit diameter ranged from 10.08 to 10.40 mm, vitamin C content from 0.36 to 0.40 mg per 100 g, and placenta weight from 0.25 to 0.26 g. Based on the available significance table, all observed yield quality variables showed no significant effect (P ≥ 0.05). These results indicate that the differences in the seed soaking methods tested did not produce consistent changes in the growth characteristics and fruit quality of cayenne peppers under the study conditions.