Freshly-picked peppers bring a lot of flavor to many dishes, and can even be eaten raw. That’s why a lot of people opt to try their hand at indoor pepper-growing.
Growing peppers indoors doesn’t have to be too difficult – as long as you have some patience, the right supplies, and follow a few key tips, you can successfully grow your own peppers in no time.
Supplies Needed
- Potting soil
- A pot or container deep enough to allow the pepper roots
- to grow
- Seeds or a starter plant
- Fertilizer
Indoor Space Considerations
Keep in mind that peppers are heat-loving plants, so you’ll need to find an indoor spot with temperatures at least 65-70 degrees Fahrenheit. If possible, installing a heat lamp above your pepper plants may be beneficial too, just to ensure that the temperature is consistently warm. Also, make sure the room you’re growing in has plenty of light – south-facing windows are ideal, and full-spectrum light bulbs can also work well.
Steps for Planting Peppers Indoors
- Fill the pot with potting soil, and create a circular depression in the center.
- Carefully add the pepper seeds (never more than two seeds per pot) to the depression.
- Sprinkle a small amount of soil on top of the seeds, gently pat down, and water.
- Cover the pot with plastic to create a greenhouse effect, or place in a warm spot with lots of natural light.
- Once the peppers reach 5-10” in height, you can begin fertilizing them.
- Harvest your peppers once they reach the desired length.
Care Tips
Maintaining consistent soil temperatures and constantly watering your peppers is essential for their growth. Be sure to check the soil is moist daily, and make sure to not let the soil dry out completely. Avoid over-watering the plants as well – too much moisture can lead to disease and root rot.
Growing peppers indoors requires regular maintenance and patience, but it’s worth the effort! These tips should help get your plants off to a strong start, and soon enough, you’ll be harvesting fresh, delicious peppers.
