Growing Peppers Indoors – Guidelines & Tips

Growing peppers indoors is a great way to have enjoy fresh vegetables throughout the year. There is an immense variety of different types of peppers available commercially; you can find some of the hottest peppers in the world, such as Habanero and Ghost Pepper, and also the milder varieties, like sweet bell peppers. The structure of pepper plants is quite similar to tomatoes and eggplants, making them ideal for home gardeners.

Getting Started

If you’re just starting out, pick a variety that is suitable for container gardening and one that does not require too much water. While some peppers, such as Jalapenos, may take months to reach maturity, other varieties can mature in just 70 days or less. When choosing pepper plants, look for ones with upright stems, bright green leaves and preferably no signs of disease. This ensures that the plants will be healthy and well-suited for indoor growth.

Location and Light

Peppers need 8-10 hours of direct sunlight each day for optimal growth. If you’re growing them indoors, you should place the pot near a south or west facing window, in a room where the temperature hovers between 65-75 degrees. Keep in mind that peppers will not grow as well in hot or cold climates. It’s also important to make sure the room has proper airflow in order to prevent fungus from forming on the leaves.

Soil and Watering

It’s best to use a commercial potting soil when growing peppers indoors. Make sure to water the plants regularly; as a rule of thumb, water the soil until it is completely saturated and then let the soil dry thoroughly before watering again. Too much water can cause the roots to rot, while lack of water can cause the fruits to become less flavorful. If using a container for potting, make sure that it has good drainage holes.

Feeding and Harvesting

You should fertilize your pepper plants every two weeks with a balanced fertilizer. If you want your peppers to mature more quickly, you can add a high-phosphorus fertilizer to the soil. As the peppers mature, you should harvest them frequently. Ripe peppers will be heavy and firm with a deep solid color. After harvesting your peppers, you can store them in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Conclusion

With the right environment and care, you can have your own sizable pepper harvest all year round. Growing peppers indoors can be both enjoyable and rewarding, but it is important to ensure that you have the right environment and give your plants adequate care to ensure a successful yield. Following the guidelines and tips above, you should be able to improve your pepper crop significantly.