Growing Peppers Indoors – Guidelines & Tips

If you’re looking for a way to grow some delicious peppers without the hassle of an outdoor garden, why not give pepper-growing indoors a try? Growing peppers indoors offers a few unique challenges, but with the right guidelines and tips, you’ll soon be enjoying homemade dishes flavored with your own home-grown peppers.

Choose the Right Pepper Variety

The pepper that you choose for your indoor growing is important. Some pepper varieties are more suited to an indoor environment than others. Pick a variety that promotes strong growth and will thrive in the available space you have indoors. Some varieties recommended for indoor growing include jalapeño, cherry pepper, and mini bell pepper.

Containers & Soil

Plastic or clay containers make great indoor planters, but choosing the right type of soil is just as important. Select a soil with good drainage that is especially formulated for growing peppers indoors. Also, it’s important to keep the pH balance around 6.5 to 7.0.

Ideal Temperatures

Peppers like to be warm, so the ideal temperature for growing peppers indoors should remain at a steady 70°F during the day and no lower than 60°F at night. If your room temperatures are lower than this, you may consider purchasing a heat mat for your pepper plants.

Sunlight

Peppers need plenty of sunlight to thrive, and while it may not be possible to replace the sunlight that an outdoor pepper plant is used to, there are ways to give your indoor peppers the best chance at success. Position your container near a window that gets full sun for most of the day. If your window remains shaded most of the time, you may also consider using artificial grow lights.

Watering & Fertilizing

Check your container’s soil daily for dryness. Peppers need a consistent water supply and should be watered thoroughly but not flooded. A light weekly application of liquid fertilizer also helps to ensure optimal growth. Be sure to follow the recommendations on the fertilizer for the correct amount.

Harvesting & Storage

Enjoy the fruits of your labor when your peppers are fully grown! Harvest your peppers by cutting the stem with a sharp knife or scissors. Avoid tugging at the pepper to avoid damaging the plant. After harvest, store your peppers in the refrigerator and use within a few days.

Growing peppers indoors doesn’t have to be difficult. With the right tools, plenty of sunlight, and the ability to maintain the ideal temperatures, you’ll be well on your way to an indoor garden full of delicious peppers.