I think 50 feet between varieties will give you an almost 100% probability of producing seeds that are true to type. I believe I have read that for commercial seed production the separation distance is even greater. However, for a hobby gardener with a small area available, you will probably produce seeds that are true to type even though the plants are quite close. In my small garden the plants are spaced about 2 feet apart, and the saved seeds are usually true. That said, I did have problems with a couple of varieties in 2012. Last year they did not grow true, and I've gone back to seeds from 2010, which should be fine. Some growers sleeve flowers in fine mesh bags to prevent cross-pollination by insects. Although there is a possibility of wind-borne cross-pollination, it's probably unlikely. What you choose to do will depend on how imperative it is that you get seeds that are true.

yes it will produce plants. however the germination rate may be poor, might be, and the characteristics of the plant/ pods may change as well. like tomatoes ive had some hybrids actually revert back to original form the following year.

Image by: wintersown There's two ways to save pepper seeds. You can save them from dried peppers or you can save them from fresh peppers too. You need red peppers as they are the ripest and the seeds are generally mature in them. To save them from dried peppers: I take the ripe peppers and place them uncovered in single layers on paper plates. I then put them in a warm and dry location and let them air dry for a period of a few weeks, the peppers and their seeds inside will dessicate (dry out). When the pepper is quite dry and leathery it is ready and can be saved for cooking, or you can give them as holiday gifts for cooks. You run a needle and thread through the dried pepper and tie it onto a gift package as a decorative ornament. You can store the peppers threaded and hung together on a string. The seeds can be then collected when the pepper is cut open and used for cooking. (If you live in a warm and arid climate you can string the ripe peppers together while they're fresh and hang them outdoors to allow them to dessicate in the warm breezes. ) To dry the seeds of ripe fresh peppers cut open the pepper and remove the seeds from the inner white membrane using the end of a kitchen knife to scrape them from the membrane. Place the seeds on an open plate and let them dry for a few days in an out-of-the-way safe location. Stir them every now and then to assure that the bottom layer of the seeds is exposed to the air and that the seeds are evenly dried. After they dry you can store them in paper packets. I urge you to please be cautious when working with hot peppers. Wash your hands several, SEVERAL times with a good strong detergent after touching hot peppers or their seeds. The capsicum oil in the hot peppers can burn the soft tissues of your body, it will hurt very badly if you accidently rub your eyes and that capsicum oil is still on your fingers. You may also use disposable gloves when preparing hot peppers, toss them in the trash after your done in the kitchen, and then wash your hands thoroughly afterwards. Good luck with your peppers seeds! Trudi

My STATUS this year: I started mine about the first week of April. I have about 95% germination after 3 weeks or so (Despite cold apartment, saved seeds, dollar store soil, etc.) It did take rather long, but I did not give up! (About 2-3 weeks to see the first sprouts) I found they appeared on a sunny day (perhaps because the window was warm, or, because it was 3 weeks already! lol) Here is a pic of the first ones. However by now almost each pod has a seedling (I think 1/12 is empty!) https://mtlbalconygarden.wordpress.com/2015/04/24/mini-pepper-seedlings-saved-seeds/