Growing Peppers Indoors – Guidelines & Tips

Growing peppers indoors is a great way to enjoy an abundance of these colorful and flavorful vegetables all year round. With careful attention to climate, light, and water, peppers can thrive as houseplants. Here are some general guidelines and tips for growing peppers indoors.

Choosing Pepper Varieties

When choosing which pepper varieties to grow indoors, look for compact cultivars. These require less room than other varieties and are less likely to outgrow your home. Some of the best options to start with are ‘Lipstick’ peppers, ‘Ace’ peppers, ‘Fresno’ peppers, ‘Jalapeno’ peppers, ‘Cherry’ peppers, and ‘Mateo’ peppers.

Containers & Soil

For growing peppers indoors, it’s best to use a container that’s at least 6-12 inches in diameter and 12-16 inches deep. Larger containers will be needed for all except for the most compact varieties. The container should have several drainage holes at the bottom to allow water to escape.

Choose a good quality, soilless potting mix for growing peppers indoors. This type of mix is light and provides good drainage. Add a tablespoon of lemon juice per gallon of potting mix to help to boost the plant’s nutrient levels.

Light & Water

Most pepper varieties require plenty of light and warmth. Place the pepper plants near a sunny window or use a grow light to ensure they are getting adequate amounts of light. When grown indoors, the temperature should be between 65-80°F (18-26°C).

Be sure to water peppers thoroughly, but not too frequently. Container-grown peppers are generally more susceptible to overwatering than plants grown in the ground. Allow the top inch of the soil to dry out before watering again.

Fertilizing & Pruning

Pepper plants need regular fertilizing to ensure they have all the nutrients they need to grow and produce fruits. Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer about every two weeks during the growing season.

To encourage air circulation and fruiting, prune off any dead leaves and branches. This will prevent disease from spreading and help the pepper plants to stay healthy.

Harvesting & Enjoying

Your peppers should be ready to harvest in about 8-10 weeks. The vegetables should be firm and should come away from the stem easily.

There are many delicious and creative ways to enjoy peppers. Stuff them, roast them, add them to salads, and more! Growing peppers indoors is a great way to have access to these tasty vegetables year-round.