Growing Peppers Indoors – Guidelines & Tips

Growing peppers indoors is becoming increasingly popular. By growing your own peppers in a pot, you are able to enjoy the unique flavors of peppers grown in the comfort of your home. But it takes a bit of effort and knowledge in order to achieve success. This article will provide you with the guidelines and tips you need to get started on growing peppers indoors.

Choosing the Right Varieties

When it comes to choosing the right pepper varieties for growing indoors, your best bet is to choose those that are labeled as “dwarf” or “mini” varieties. These are typically smaller varieties that have been bred to be more compact and easy to manage in an indoor space. Some popular varieties include jalapeno, Anaheim, habanero, and cayenne.

Preparing the Soil

For best results, make sure to use a soil mix that is specifically designed for peppers. This should contain perlite or vermiculite for extra drainage and a fertilizer that is suitable for peppers. The Ph should be between 6.5 and 7.5. Make sure to mix in a generous amount of organic material such as compost or aged manure to create a rich and fertile soil base.

Light & Temperature

Peppers appreciate a lot of sunshine, so make sure to place them in an area of your home that get a lot of natural light. If not, you’ll need to supplement the light with a grow light. Peppers will do best in temperatures between 70°F and 80°F. To provide extra warmth during the colder winter months, you can use a heat mat.

Watering & Feeding the Plants

When watering the plants, make sure to water deeply and then let the soil almost dry between waterings. Adding a regular feeding of liquid fertilizer every few weeks will also help keep the plants healthy and provide the needed nutrients.

Harvesting & Storage

When the peppers are ripe – usually when they change from green to their mature color of red, orange, or yellow – it’s time to harvest them. Make sure to pick them one-by-one using scissors or pruning shears. Once harvested, you can store the peppers in the refrigerator for up to one week.

Conclusion

Growing peppers indoors is a fun and rewarding endeavor if you know what you’re doing. By following the guidelines and tips outlined in this article, you’ll be able to enjoy the unique flavors of homegrown peppers all year round.