Growing Peppers Indoors – Guidelines & Tips

Everyone loves a spicy pepper in their dish but what if you could enjoy the flavor of pepper in your very own home-grown plants? Well, it’s possible. Growing peppers indoors can be a great way to add some spice to your meals year-round. So if you’re ready to get started, here are some guidelines and tips on how to grow peppers indoors.

Guidelines for Growing Peppers Indoors

• The most important guideline for growing peppers indoors is to find the right environment. Peppers need plenty of light if they are to thrive. Choose an area near a window, or consider using artificial lights for a grow light fixture or a CFL bulb.
• Choose the appropriate peppers. Some pepper varieties can grow better indoors than others. Try varieties such as banana peppers, sweet bell peppers, cayenne peppers, and jalapenos to start.
• Keep the soil temperature warm. The right soil temperature for pepper growth is around 75-85 degrees. Use a soil thermometer and avoid drafts to keep things warm.
• Water your pepper plants with caution. Overwatering can be a very real danger when it comes to pepper plants because the roots can easily rot. Stick to recommending temperatures and use a moisture meter to make sure your plants are getting enough water.
• Fertilize your pepper plants. Adding a light fertilizer once a month or when needed can help your plants stay healthy. A low-nitrogen fertilizer will help to promote more pepper production.
• Start your peppers from seed. It’s always best to start from seed so that you have the added benefit of controlling the environment from the start.

Tips for Growing Peppers Indoors

• Start your peppers in containers that are at least 6 inches deep. The extra depth helps to promote healthy root growth. You can also use a large pot for growing many peppers if you’d like.
• Make sure you place your containers close enough to the light, but not too close. Peppers need a lot of light but you don’t want to burn them.
• Be prepared to prune and thin out your pepper plants. Pruning off the lower leaves can help promote healthier stem growth and prune away any weak stems that may diminish the overall growth of the plant.
• Harvest your peppers when they are ready to be eaten. Peppers generally take around 70-90 days to mature from seedling to full plant. Harvest your peppers when they are the desired size and color.

Now that you have the guidelines and tips for growing peppers indoors, it’s time to get to work! Peppers are a great way to add some spice to your meals and with the right amount of care and attention, you can now enjoy the sweet taste of homegrown peppers year-round.