Growing Peppers Indoors – Guidelines & Tips
Do you love the taste of fresh, home-grown peppers? If so, you’ll be happy to know that they can be grown year-round in the comfort of your own home. Growing peppers indoors can be a great way to have an abundant supply of fresh peppers, year-round. In this article, we’ll discuss the basics of how to successfully grow peppers indoors.
What Kind of Peppers Can You Grow Indoors?
In truth, all peppers can be grown indoors–from sweet bell peppers to fiery habaneros. Before selecting the peppers you’d like to grow, it’s important to consider the amount of sunlight your home typically gets. As a general rule, red, orange and yellow peppers require more sunlight than other varieties. If the amount of sunlight in your home is limited, you may want to choose a pepper variety that has a shorter maturation time, such as a jalapeno.
Space Requirements for Growing Peppers Indoors
When growing peppers indoors, you’ll need to take into consideration the area you have to work with. Peppers need full sun, so if possible, choose an area with southern or western exposure. This will ensure your peppers are getting the maximum amount of light they need to ripen. While the amount of space you have could limit the number of plants you can have, you can utilize containers and other creative solutions if you’re limited by square footage.
Soil & Containers for Growing Peppers Indoors
Peppers grow best in well-draining soil, so it’s important to select the right container for your plants. If you’re using terra cotta or other porous containers, you may need to use a moisture-absorbing medium to make sure your peppers don’t become too wet. If you decide to use a non-porous container, such as plastic, it’s important to make sure you have plenty of drainage holes. This will prevent your plants from becoming waterlogged, which can be deadly for peppers.
Fertilizing Peppers Grown Indoors
Fertilizing your pepper plants will ensure they receive the nutrients they need to produce beautiful, flavorful results. Look for a balanced fertilizer, such as 10-10-10, to supplement the soil and keep your plants healthy. Generally, you’ll want to fertilize your pepper plants every two weeks throughout the growing season.
Protect Your Pepper Plants In Extreme Temperatures
Potted plants are particularly vulnerable to extreme temperatures, so be sure to take extra precaution with your pepper plants. To protect your pepper plants from cold snaps, you may want to cover them with a lightweight sheet or move them inside if the temperature drops below freezing. Conversely, if the temperatures in your home reach more than 80 degrees Fahrenheit, your peppers may be susceptible to sunburn. If this occurs, you may want to move your plants farther away from the window or set up a blanket to block some of the light.
Propagate Your Peppers
Many home gardeners don’t want to purchase pepper plants every season. Fortunately, it’s easy to propagate peppers. After your peppers have ripened on the vine, you can pick the peppers and allow them to dry. You can then separate the seeds and store them in a cool, dry place until the next season. When you’re ready to plant, simply spread the seeds on top of the soil. As the seeds germinate, you’ll be enjoying a hearty crop of peppers in no time.
Conclusion
Growing peppers indoors can be a fun and rewarding experience. Though you will need to provide your plants with the necessary soil, containers, and sunlight, the end result – a stockpile of delicious peppers – will make all your hard work worth it.
