Growing Peppers Indoors – Guidelines & Tips
Growing peppers indoors can be a great way to add a little spice to your meals and have fresh greens all year round. Plus, peppers are incredibly easy to grow indoors with minimal attention. With the right tips and guidance, even a gardening novice can have an indoor pepper garden that stands out. Read on to find out how to get started!
Choosing the Right Pepper Plants
The key to having success with growing peppers indoors is to choose the right variety. Look for compact species that have been bred specifically for indoor growth. These peppers will typically be smaller than outdoor varieties and may even produce smaller pods. Some pepper varieties to consider include jalapenos, Hungarian hots, Anaheims, poblanos, and bell peppers.
Picking a Container for Your Pepper Plants
When growing peppers indoors, you’ll need to pick a container that will provide enough space for your pepper plants to thrive. A container with a minimum size of 8-10 inches is ideal. If you’re growing multiple plants in the same container, make sure to give them enough room to breathe. You should also consider the types of soil and drainage reqirements for your pepper plants, as these will be factors when choosing the right pot.
Ideal Growing Conditions
Peppers need a warm spot to grow. Aim to keep your indoor pepper plants in a place that has temperatures between 75-85°F (24-29°C). Investing in a small portable room heater can really help if you live in a cold climate. It’s also important to ensure your pepper plants get plenty of light. Place your peppers near a window that gets a lot of direct sunlight, or invest in grow lights.
Watering & Fertilizing
Pepper plants don’t need a lot of water, but they do need to stay very moist. Aim to water your peppers once or twice a week, or when the soil feels dry to the touch. You will also need to provide your pepper plants with nutrients in order for them to thrive. Choose an organic fertilizer such as fish emulsion or compost tea and dilute it according to the directions on the label. Adding fertilizer to your pepper plants’ soil every two weeks should be sufficient.
Harvesting & Storing Your Peppers
Once your peppers are ready to harvest, cut them off the stem with a sharp knife. Avoid pulling at the pepper or twisting it, as this can damage the stem. To store your freshly harvested peppers, it’s best to place them in the refrigerator. They should last up to 5 days this way. You can also freeze peppers for up to 8 months, just make sure to blanch them first.
Conclusion
With these guidelines and tips, you’re well on your way to growing peppers indoors. Though peppers may need some special attention, they are relatively low-maintenance crops that will reward you with their delicious flavor. Have fun and enjoy your homegrown peppers!
