Growing Peppers Indoors – Guidelines & Tips

Whether you’re looking for fresh vegetables or adding some spice to your favorite recipes, growing peppers indoors is a great way to enjoy these vegetables no matter the season. Here are some guidelines and tips to help maximize your peppers’ success indoors.

The Basics

Choose strong light. Peppers need 12-16 hours of bright, direct light to grow and mature properly. Natural sunlight is best, but setting up a grow light is a great alternative.

Pick a pot. When it’s time to actually plant your pepper seeds, use a large pot with good drainage. Since it’s almost certain your chosen peppers will do well in warm temperatures, picking a terracotta pot is recommended.

Prepare for hot weather. Peppers thrive in warm temperatures, so a consistent heat resource is essential. Keep temperatures between 65F-90F during the day and slightly cooler at night.

Start with plenty of water. Keep the soil moist but not overly saturated, as excess moisture will cause your pepper plants to suffer. Water your soil around the base of the pepper plants using a hose, watering can, or drip irrigation.

Fertilization & Maintenance

Fertilize often. Peppers require a moderate amount of fertilizer. Good organic sources include compost, cow manure, and fish emulsion.

Pinch off flowers. To help promote the peppers’ growth, remove the flowers as soon as they appear. This will help the pepper plant focus its energy on the peppers instead.

Support your plants. If you are growing larger varieties, you may want to support the plants to avoid any potential damage.

Control pests. If you start to notice pests on your pepper plants, it’s best to act swiftly. Insecticidal soap is a great solution to most insect problems.

Harvesting

Once your pepper plants have matured and have grown about two inches, they are ready to be harvested. Wear gloves when you handle them, as hot peppers can cause skin irritation. To harvest, simply twist the peppers from the vine and add them to whatever dishes you choose.

Growing peppers indoors is a great way to enjoy fresh produce all year round. By following these guidelines and tips, you’ll have delicious peppers right in your own home!