Growing Peppers Indoors – Guidelines & Tips
Growing your own peppers indoors can be an exciting and rewarding experience. Peppers are easy to care for and come in a variety of colors, shapes, and sizes. Whether you’re growing them for culinary enjoyment or as houseplants, peppers provide an interesting addition to an indoor garden. Here are some guidelines and tips for successfully growing peppers indoors.
Choose the Right Variety of Pepper
When selecting a pepper to grow indoors, choose one that is rated for indoor growth. Sweet peppers such as bell peppers, banana peppers, and even some jalapenos are well-suited for indoor gardening. Look for varieties that are described as compact, dwarf, or patio, as these are the best types for growing indoors.
Pick a Spot with Proper Light
Peppers need six to eight hours of direct sunlight to grow, so pick a location with bright, direct sunlight. If you don’t have naturally bright light, consider growing your peppers under a grow light setup. Fixtures that produce light in the 400 – 700 nm range work best.
Know the Temperature & Humidity Needs
Peppers do best when temperatures are between 60 – 85 °F. If your home has cool drafts or air conditioning, provide the peppers with some protection, such as a heat mat, to ensure the proper temperature. Also, pepper plants prefer a humidity level of 60 – 80%, so mist the plants daily or use a humidifier near the plants.
Take Care When Watering
Since peppers thrive on a consistent water supply, avoid over-watering them. Water deeply, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. Feel the soil to check for moisture before each watering. Letting the top inch of soil dry out before watering is also recommended.
Fertilizing & Pruning
Fertilize pepper plants with a water-soluble fertilizer every two weeks during the growing season. You can also use organic fertilizers such as compost or fish emulsion. For best yield, pinch off flowers that form early in the season. As the season progresses, you can pinch off the top of the stems to encourage bushy growth.
Harvesting & Storing Peppers
When peppers reach full size and turn their proper color, you’re ready to harvest. To pick, grasp the stem of the pepper and twist it while pulling gently. Store peppers in the refrigerator for up to two weeks or freeze them for future use.
Conclusion
Growing peppers indoors can provide a bountiful harvest of flavorful and colorful peppers in the comfort of your home. With the proper location, care, and attention, you’ll be able to enjoy your peppers all year long.
