Growing Peppers Indoors – Guidelines & Tips
If you’re interested in gardening but lack the space for a vibrant garden outside, growing peppers indoors can be a great way to cultivate a unique and flavorful crop. With the proper soil, lighting, watering, and care, it is possible to enjoy delicious bell peppers, jalapenos, and chiles in the comfort of your own home.
Choosing the Right Variety
Growing peppers indoors requires a special variety of pepper that produces well in an indoor environment. Resistant to pest and disease, these special varieties are often dwarf or bush hybrid varieties. The most common indoor peppers are bells, jalapenos, and chiles.
Select the Right Containers & Soil
When it comes to containers for your pepper plants, size matters. Choose a container that provides enough space for the plants’ roots to spread out. When it comes to soil, you’ll want a mixture that is rich in organic matter and drains well. A standard potting soil should do the trick.
Light & Water Requirements
Peppers grow best with at least 12 hours of sunlight per day. If you don’t have a window to receive this much light, you may want to consider investing in grow lights, especially during winter months. For water, you should keep the soil moist but not soggy and water about twice a week.
Fertilize & Pests
Fertilize your peppers with nitrogen-rich fertilizer about every other week during the growing season. As for pests, keep an eye out for aphids, whiteflies, and spider mites which can be controlled with insecticidal soap. If necessary, get an insect repellent to protect your plants.
Harvest & Enjoy
Depending on the variety, pepper plants generally take about 80 days from seedling to full grown plant. When the peppers are full size and have changed color, you’re ready to harvest. Cut off the peppers with a sharp pair of scissors. Once harvested, enjoy your homegrown peppers in salads, sauces, or any other dish you like.
Conclusion
Growing peppers indoors is a great way to enjoy the flavor of summer in the comfort of your home. With the proper containers, proper soil, lighting, and watered, you can grow your own harvest of peppers. Invest in insect repellents and fertilizers to ensure a bountiful harvest.
