Studies regarding seed maturation are important to determine the ideal fruit development stage for
harvesting in order to obtain high-quality seeds. Changes in sweet pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) seed quality were
monitored during seed development in order to identify the stage of maximum quality of the seeds and the
optimum harvest date. Fruits harvested from 20 to 75 days after anthesis (DAA) with step of five days were
grouped according to maturity stage (green, yellow, red and intense red color outside). Before seed extraction, the
fruit weigh, diameter and length were determined. Seed water content, seed dry weight, 1.000-seed weight,
germination, first count, speed emergence index, seedling length, accelerated aging and electrical conductivity tests
were performed. Mass maturity of the seeds was attained at 75 DAA, when seed water content was 47.3 % and the
fruits were red. Sweet pepper seeds with high germination and vigour should be harvested when fruits are
completely red outside, at 75 DAA.