Growing Peppers Indoors – Guidelines & Tips

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Growing peppers indoors is a great way to enjoy peppers all year round. While different varieties can take more or less time to mature, it is possible to grow a plentiful supply of peppers in your own home. Here we provide guidelines and tips for successfully growing peppers indoors.

Selecting the Varieties

While any pepper variety can be grown indoors, you should consider the different types of peppers when selecting those to grow. Sweet bell peppers are the easiest to grow indoors and mature the quickest. Hot peppers like jalapenos take longer to mature and require more attention.

Sowing and Transplanting

Pepper seeds should be sown indoors 6-8 weeks before last frost date. If you are starting the seeds indoors, you will want to use a sterile seed starting mix, plant the seeds 1/4” deep, and keep the environment warm and moist. When the seedlings establish proper root systems, you will need to transplant them to individual pots or grow bags.

Caring for Pepper Plants

Peppers planted indoors will need plenty of light, warm temperatures, and regular watering. The plants should be placed near a window or under indoor lighting. You should also maintain temperatures between 68-80°F (20-27°C). When it comes to watering, the soil should be kept moist but not saturated.

Fertilizing and Pruning

Pepper plants benefit from regular fertilization with a balanced fertilizer. You will need to fertilize about once a month. When the plants have developed some size, you can also prune them for a more compact growth. Make sure to prune regularly in the early stages of plant growth.

Harvesting Peppers

As the peppers mature, you can carefully pluck them from the plants. Hot peppers tend to take much longer to mature than sweet peppers. With the proper care and attention, it is possible to grow a healthy crop of peppers indoors.

Conclusion

Growing peppers indoors is a great way to enjoy a variety of peppers throughout the year. You will need to select the varieties of peppers that are best suited for indoor growing conditions, and provide a warm, humid, and light-filled environment. Additionally, peppers should be fertilized and pruned regularly. With a little effort, you will have an abundance of peppers that you can enjoy in your favorite recipes.