The experiment was carried out at the Federal University of Viçosa, in order to
obtain the most efficient method for overcome dormancy of spanish pepper (Capsicum frutescens
L.) seeds. Seeds stored for one month after harvest and seeds from a comercial lot were used. The
following methods were tested: moistened substratum with KNO3 0.2%; immersion in sodium
hypochlorite 1% for 15 minutes; washing with running tap water for two hours; immersion in
water at room temperature for 16 hours with posterior washing with running tap water for two
hours. The germination test was performed on alternate temperature (20-30°C) with light. The
results show that the moistened substratum with KNO3 0.2% had percentage of germination lower
than other treatments for the two lots studied. The treatments of immersion in sodium hypochlorite
for 15 minutes, washing with running tap water for two hours and immersion water for 16 hours
with posterior washing with running tap water for two hours showed promising results for overcome
dormancy of seeds stored for one month and from commercial lot.