Growing Peppers Indoors – Guidelines & Tips
Growing peppers indoors is an enjoyable and rewarding experience. It allows you to enjoy homegrown, fresh and delicious pepper varieties all year round. Peppers make great additions to salads, sauces, salsas, as well as many other dishes. Here are some guidelines and tips to help you grow healthy peppers indoors.
Selecting & Preparing Seeds & Soil
When choosing pepper seeds, look for those that specifically say “suitable for indoor growing”. Seeds labeled as “outdoor” are not suitable for indoor growing as they may require more space and light. For soil, use a soilless mix or make your own with equal parts peat moss, bark hummus, vermiculite, and perlite.
Heat and Light Requirements for Peppers
Peppers need plenty of sunlight to produce healthy, sweet fruit. A south-facing window is ideal, but you can supplement the light with the help of grow lights. For the best results make sure to use a combination of cool fluorescent lights and warm incandescent lights. The light should be kept on for at least 8 hours a day.
Peppers also require warmth. Daytime temperatures should range between 70-80°F (21-27°C) and nighttime temperatures should not dip below 60°F (15°C). A small fan can help keep temperatures consistent.
General Care
Water the plants when the top inch of soil is dry. Peppers need good air circulation, but make sure to keep the plants away from drafts, as this can make them susceptible to disease. For extra nutrition, top-dress the soil with a layer of compost or worm castings once a month.
When it comes to harvesting, be aware of the pepper’s color. Bell peppers turn from green to red when ripe, and hot peppers will generally darken in color.
Common Problems and Solutions
The two most common problems for growing peppers indoors are not enough sun and not enough warmth. To solve this, be sure to use grow lights and avoid keeping the plants in cold drafts. Make sure to provide enough water, as peppers are prone to root rot if overwatered.
Growing peppers indoors is easy and can make for rewarding harvests. Use the guidelines and tips outlined to help you produce sweet, fresh peppers all year round. Happy gardening!
