Growing Peppers Indoors — Guidelines & Tips
Growing peppers indoors is surprisingly easy. With the right set up, you can grow a variety of peppers in the comfort of your own home. With guidelines and tips specifically for growing these tasty vegetables indoors, you can enjoy a harvest of delectable peppers year-round.
Choosing the Right Variety of Pepper
Starting with the right type of pepper is essential. Mini bell peppers and Banana peppers are great options because they have a smaller, compact size for growing in smaller spaces. They are also some of the sweetest varieties you can grow at home. Hot peppers, such as jalapeño, Serrano and habanero, are particularly suited to indoor growing as they don’t require as much light or heat to thrive indoors.
Picking Containers and Location
Selecting the right pot for growing peppers indoors is key. Make sure the containers you use have enough space for roots to grow. Plastic or ceramic pots are a good option. Choose large, deep containers as peppers need soil to spread their roots. Always use a lightweight soil-less mix that drains well.
It’s important to place your containers in a bright location with indirect sunlight for best results. If direct sun is unavoidable, make sure the containers aren’t exposed to the sun for more than four hours a day.
Maintaining Temperature and Humidity
Pepper plants thrive in warm temperatures (70-90°F) so make sure the room they’re in isn’t too cold or too hot. Keep the humidity level high by misting your plants regularly with water. This will help ensure the peppers don’t get too dry or develop fungal diseases.
Watering Your Plants
Overwatering your pepper plants is just as bad as not watering them enough, so it’s important to get the amount just right. Water your plants when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Water them until it begins to drain out the bottom of the pot. In addition to regular watering, it’s beneficial to provide your plants with a water-soluble fertilizer every two to four weeks.
Caring for Your Peppers
It’s important to keep your peppers clean by regularly removing any dead or dying leaves and stems. This will help ensure that your plants stay healthy and your peppers continue to grow. Once your peppers begin to turn red or yellow, pick them when they reach your desired size. Peppers stored in the refrigerator last up to one week, but for the best flavor, consume them within a day of harvesting.
With the right set up and care, you can successfully grow peppers indoors for a tasty and plentiful harvest all year long. With these guidelines and tips, there’s no reason why you can’t enjoy homegrown peppers without the need for a garden.
