Growing Peppers Indoors – Guidelines & Tips

Growing peppers indoors can be both fun and rewarding for both the novice and experienced gardener. Peppers are easy to grow and require minimal care and attention. With the right growing environment, you can even get a good harvest from your indoor pepper plants. Here are some guidelines and tips for growing peppers indoors.

Ambient Temperature

The ambient temperature should be between 64 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit; the ideal range for peppers is 68-78 degrees during the day. In cooler temperatures, plants can struggle to reach full growth and may produce smaller, less flavorful peppers. Temperatures below 50 degrees can cause stunted growth, so it’s best to keep it in this range.

Light

Peppers need a minimum of 8 hours of light per day, though 10-12 hours is preferred. If your home does not receive enough direct sunlight, you can purchase specialized full-spectrum grow lights to supplement your conditions. Make sure to keep it 12 to 18 inches away from the plant and move it up as the plant grows.

Soil

For growing peppers indoors, it is best to use a soil that drains well, yet retains moisture. Potting mixes that are lightweight and provide adequate nutrients are ideal. You want to make sure the soil is completely dry before watering.

Water & Fertilizer

For peppers grown indoors, you can water the plants whenever the soil feels dry to the touch, usually around once a week. If your plants are growing too quickly, you can reduce the amount of water.

To encourage pepper growth, fertilize your pepper plants for optimal results. An organic fertilizer applied once a month is the best way to go. Make sure not to over-fertilize the plants, as this can cause too much growth and can reduce the pepper flavor.

Harvesting

When it’s time to harvest, you can either pick them off the plant or cut them off. If left on the plant, peppers will continue to ripen. Once harvested, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.

Growing peppers indoors is not only easy, but it can also give you great yields and delicious peppers year round. With these guidelines and tips, you can create the perfect environment for growing peppers indoors.