For the last three years, I always start my superhot peppers on December 26. I grew the Bhut Jolokia a couple of years ago, the 7-pod last year. My son has been pestering me to grow more BJs as he claims he knows lots of people who want to buy them. I've had great luck getting ripe pods when I start seeds in December, so figured I might as well try again.
Sowed a total of 40 seeds: 20 in a Speedling tray filled with potting mix, and 10 each in Bio-Dome inserts and Oasis Horticubes. They are now sitting on a waterbed heater set at 85 degrees.
I really need to find out which media works the best. In the past, I would mass sow them in tray, wait until they germinated and grew a bit, then transplant them into 18 cell nursery flats. But because I need to start way more plants this year, I want to find a different media. By the time I get into the serious seed starting (early to mid-March) I should have a great idea how they will work.
My hope is the horticubes - I can start 4,000 plants for about $90. Way cheaper than any other option.
Mike