I've grown a few different kinds. Dried seeds from pepper shakers at various pizza parlors never grew for me. Most of the seeds from store bought dried peppers (the kinds packed in clear bags) germinated okay and produced peppers similar to the originals. Plant yours and in two weeks or so you will know if the seeds are viable. Finding out what the fruit will be like takes a bit more patience and warmer weather than I'll see for a few months.

What's up so far? The large seeds from the large dried peppers in the bulk packaging at the produce store almost jumped out to the ground. Four out of four are growing well. The small seeds from the same floor area have not done anything yet. The seeds from the dried Don Enrique brand dried California Chilis also grew, 7 out of 8 so far. They were at a large regional grocery chain. One package of these must contain thousands of seeds. The dried pepper does not seem to have much if any heat to it. The seeds saved from my own pods germinated, 8 out of 10 as of today. YEA!! All of the small seeds from dried or crushed cayenne-like peppers are unsprouted even though they are from 4 different sources. I'm wondering if they will sprout given more time, or if the drying process is different for them and results in killed seeds. Guess I'll keep checking on them. So if cabin fever sets in, do some experimenting yourself. I probably am not going to keep these for the garden....but I haven't tossed them out yet, either :) The peppers are a nice distraction in between trips to the hospital to visit my husband who continues to have problems with one eye. Doctors do not think it is terribly serious...but so far, no improvement :(

Last year, I had "Wild Bird" seed from Fiedlermeister. I was out of room in the trays and just put 6 seeds in a small plastic container. I don't remember if I soaked 'em or not. I did get one very healthy plant, over 2' tall, with loads of tiny tasty hot peppers. I recommend germinating inside on a heat mat. I still have 8 seeds left, will share half (4) if you want em. email me @ kj5kb@hotmail.com

This was covered in another post not to long ago.... correct me if I'm wrong (pro's), in short it boils down to whether or not they were completely dried before freezing. Moisture in un-dried seeds could cause them to crack and then become non viable. If they are properly dehydrated you have a good chance of germination. dj