Growing Peppers Indoors – Guidelines & Tips

Many gardeners love growing peppers indoors due to their size and versatility. Peppers can be grown throughout the year, giving you a bounty of fruits long after other garden crops have come to an end. Here are some general guidelines and tips to get you started growing peppers indoors.

Choose Suitable Container & Location

Choose a container that is approximately 12 inches deep and at least 8 inches wide to give your pepper plants room to spread out. For optimum growth, you should choose a container with drainage holes. Place your container in an area that receives at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight each day.

Selecting & Planting High-Yielding Pepper Varieties

Choose high-yielding pepper varieties that are well-suited for indoors. Popular varieties include Anaheim, Paquillo, and Jalapeno. Plant pepper seeds in the soil-less soil mix that is designed specifically for indoor plants. Plant two or three seeds per pot, about one-fourth inch deep.

Terra-Cotta Clay Pots Promote Better Air Flow

Terra-cotta clay pots are the ideal choice for container growing peppers indoors because they promote better air flow than plastic pots. Terra-cotta pots also allow for more even moisture retention than plastic pots. To ensure that your peppers are getting enough moisture, set your terra cotta pots on a tray filled with one inch of water to help maintain moisture levels from the bottom up.

Provide Plenty of Heat & Light

Peppers need a lot of warmth and light in order to grow properly. Use grow lights to supplement natural sunlight when necessary. Keep your peppers at least 18 inches away from the lights at all times. If your peppers are exposed to too much heat, they will dry out and the fruit will not mature properly.

Fertilize Regularly & Adjust Watering

Fertilize your peppers with a balanced houseplant fertilizer according to the directions on the package. Water your peppers when the top inch of soil is dry but don’t allow the soil to dry out completely. Reduce watering in the winter months to prevent root rot.

Pinch & Prune for Best Results

Pinch off any flowers that appear on your peppers to promote better fruit growth. Prune your peppers lightly if needed in order to encourage bushier growth. Harvest your peppers when they are fully ripe and enjoy your homegrown bounty!

Conclusion

Growing peppers indoors is a great way to enjoy garden-fresh fruits throughout the year. With the right container, soil, and location, your peppers should thrive. Follow the guidelines and tips outlined in this article and you are sure to have a successful pepper-growing experience.