Thanks, Judy!
Glen, I've never tried it (at least not that I recall, LOL), but I suspect that cuttings from pepper plants would root quite easily since they do commonly develop adventitious roots on the lower stems. I'd try dipping cuttings in a little rooting hormone powder, then planting in a pot and covering with a plastic baggie or top part of a plastic soda bottle for a little "greenhouse effect."
Or, you can "bag" the flower clusters (before the flowers open) on a plant that you want to obtain seeds from (or, for that matter, cover the entire plant with something that will prevent cross-pollination, like floating row cover for instance) and then hand-pollinate.
Here's some info from the Seed Savers Exchange (
http://www.seedsavers.org/grow... ):
"Saving Seeds
Pepper is an annual crop. It will complete its full life cycle, including germination, reproduction, and death, in one growing season.
When saving seeds from pepper, separate varieties by 300-1,600 feet or hand pollinate several fruits using blossom bags. A single pepper plant can produce viable seed. However, to maintain a variety’s diversity over time, save seeds from 5-20 pepper plants.
Be careful when processing the fruits of hot peppers as the oils and vapors of capsaicin can cause eye, skin, and respiratory irritation. Work in a well-ventilated area and take care to wear protective gloves and a respirator or dust mask to prevent irritation. Avoid touching your eyes or nose as you work. If you handle hot peppers bare-handed, immediately scrub hands with soap and warm water.
To save seeds from peppers, let fruits mature until they begin to soften. Cut around the top of the pepper, and use the stem as a handle to twist out the core. Use the tip of a knife to flick out the seeds. Allow seeds to air-dry on newsprint, coffee filters, or screens for several days. When a test seed ca be cleanly snapped in half, seeds are dry enough for storage.
Store seeds in a cool, dry place for up to three years."
