Growing Peppers Indoors – Guidelines & Tips

Growing peppers indoors can be a great way to enjoy a homegrown garden all year round. Not only are these plants attractive but they are also a reliable source of vitamin A, a powerful antioxidant, as well as flavonoids. Here’s your guide to growing peppers indoors.

Step One: Choose the Right Plant

Select the right kind of weedy — For pepper cultivation inside the house, wax-type peppers, generally a smaller, thinner-walled pepper or fewer seeds are an ideal choice. Some popular varieties are Banana peppers, Jalapeño peppers, Cayennes, Habaneros, and bell peppers. Choose the seeds from nurseries or grocery stores selling organically grown varieties.

Step Two: Prepare the Pots

Get the right container. Plastic containers, seeding trays or window boxes are ideal for growing peppers indoors. Select containers at least 4-5 inches deep to provide adequate space for growth. Make sure the container has sufficient drainage holes at its bottom.

Step Three: Plant the Seeds

Soak the seeds. Soak the seeds for at least 12 hours to remove any remnants of salt and other potential contaminants. This also helps in breaking the seed coat, allowing for faster germination. Plant the pepper seeds in the previously prepared containers which should be filled up to two thirds with nutrient-rich soil.

Step Four: Provide Adequate Water and Sunlight

Provide enough water. As peppers love moisture, give your indoor plants the right amount of water. Try to water the plants every other day, and during the summer you may even need to water the plants on a daily basis. But make sure the soil does not become soggy.

Give your peppers enough sunlight. Peppers need around six hours of bright sunlight each day. If you don’t have access to this kind of light, you can use LED, fluorescent, and other artificial plant lights to get the job done. Make sure to keep the lights turned on for at least 14 hours every day.

Step Five: Transplant and Fertilize

Transplant the seedlings. When your seedlings have formed a few leaves, it’s time to transplant them in individual pots. Be careful not to disturb the roots during the transplanting process.

Fertilize once a month. For best yield and growth, pepper plants need to be fertilized once a month. Use an organic fertilizer like compost, chicken manure, or a balanced liquid fertilizer.

Step Six: Harvest

Harvest wisely. Peppers can be harvested at many stages of ripeness. When harvesting your peppers, make sure to use scissors or a knife to avoid damaging the plant. To store the harvested peppers, place them at room temperature in a cool, dry place with good air circulation.

Conclusion

Growing peppers indoors can be easy and rewarding. With the right guidance and advice, you can grow the perfect peppers in no time. Have fun growing your peppers indoors!