Growing Peppers Indoors – Guidelines & Tips
Peppers are versatile and flavorful additions to any garden or kitchen. There is nothing more satisfying than picking a fresh pepper from your own plant and adding it to a home cooked meal! Growing peppers indoors can be a great way to get a jump start on growing season or to have a fresh supply of peppers year round – but there are some tips and tricks to ensure success.
The Basics
Growing peppers indoors requires a lot of sunlight, so be sure to pick a spot for your plants that receives at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight a day. Once you have chosen a spot, set up your pots, planters, or other containers. You will need a well-draining container and potting mix that is specifically designed for indoor plants.
Before planting your seeds, soak them in a cup of warm water to soften them. This will help speed up the germination process. Now that your containers are ready, plant your soaked pepper seeds roughly ¼ inch (0.6 cm) deep and keep the soil lightly moist. Seeds should take between 7-14 days to germinate. If you planted your seeds in separate containers, transplant them into larger pots when the seedlings are at least a few inches tall.
Care & Maintenance
Now that your pepper plants are in the ground, it’s time to provide them with the care they need to produce the best fruits. Pepper plants need plenty of moisture, so make sure to water them regularly (aim for about 2-3 times per week depending on the size of the pot or soil). If the soil feels dry, then it’s usually time to water.
Feed your pepper plants every two to four weeks with a balanced fertilizer and provide adequate amounts of calcium and magnesium to reduce blossom-end rot. If you are growing hot peppers, you may need to wear gloves and goggles, as the oils from the fruits can be irritating.
Harvest & Storage
Your peppers are ready to be harvested once they are bright and colorful. If the pepper is full size but still green, leave it on the plant for a few more days for it to fully mature and turn the desired color. Harvest peppers gently without damaging the plant or pepper itself.
Once your peppers are harvested, you can either eat them right away or store them in the refrigerator for later use. Peppers will keep in the refrigerator for up to a week, or longer if stored in an airtight container. Freshly-picked peppers can also be frozen for use at a later date.
Conclusion
If you follow these guidelines and tips, you can successfully grow peppers indoors with ease. Growing your own fresh peppers can provide you with nutritious produce while saving money at the grocery store. With patience and care, you’ll soon be able to enjoy your own fresh peppers in salads, dips, and other dishes.
