Growing Peppers Indoors – Guidelines & Tips
Growing peppers indoors can be a fun and rewarding experience, not to mention a perfect way to get a jumpstart on the growing season. With the proper knowledge and set up, you can produce fresh, vibrant, and delicious peppers all season long. Here are a few guidelines and tips to keep in mind when growing peppers indoors.
Light & Temperature Requirements
Like other vegetables and herbs, peppers need bright, direct sunlight to initiate strong growth and to help produce healthy fruits. If you don’t have access to natural sunlight, fitted grow lamps are a great option. Aim for around 14-16 hours of light exposure each day, but be sure to adjust it to the plant’s needs. Although peppers thrive in warm climates, their optimal growth temperature is 65-75°F (18-24°C) during the day. When the temperatures exceed 80°F (26°C), the plants are likely to become stressed and produce fewer fruits.
Soil & Fertilizer
Pepper plants require well draining soil in order to thrive. Ensure your soil contains plenty of organic matter so that it can retain moisture and nutrients. Peppers also need regular fertilizing to ensure strong growth and an abundant harvest. Aim to fertilize your plants every two weeks using a balanced fertilizer or a solution of liquid seaweed.
Watering & Humidity
Similar to other herbs and vegetables, peppers need regular and consistent watering to ensure strong growth and a healthy yield. Aim for watering the plants between 1-2 times per week, increasing the frequency during the warmer months. It’s also important to monitor the humidity levels in the room; if the humidity dips below 40%, consider investing in a humidifier. Pepper plants will naturally drop fruits that don’t receive enough humidity.
Pest Control
No matter how well you care for your pepper plants, pests are likely to show up at some point. To prevent an infestation, regularly inspect your plants and look out for any small bugs, squiggly lines (symptoms of spider mite infestation), or any other signs of damage. If you notice any signs of pests, use a combination of natural solutions (such as essential oils, neem oil, etc) and beneficial insects (such as ladybugs, praying mantis, etc.) to quickly eliminate the infestation.
Harvesting
Your peppers are ready for harvesting once they have reached their full color, size, and maturity. Taking the extra step to hand-pick your peppers allows them to grow a bit more, leading to larger fruits with a better flavor. Avoid waiting too long to harvest since this will damage the pepper and lead to a decrease in nutrient content.
Conclusion
Growing peppers indoors is a great way to get a jumpstart on the growing season and ensure a delicious harvest all season long. To successfully grow peppers indoors, pay close attention to light & temperature requirements, soil & fertilizer needs, watering & humidity levels, and pests. Proper care will produce vibrant and abundant peppers for your pleasure.
