Growing Peppers Indoors – Guidelines & Tips
Growing peppers indoors can be quite rewarding! While outdoor gardeners can rely on the weather and hence don’t always require a greenhouse, for those looking to grow peppers inside, and with delicate care and attention, can have a productive garden indoors!
To get started, the most important factor to consider when growing peppers indoors is the environment. Controlling the indoor environment can be the difference between a delightful pepper crop or a bitter disappointment. Below are some tips and guidelines to get your pepper harvests off to a good start!
Getting Started
- Pick a spot with lots of light. Most pepper varieties prefer at least 6 hours of sun per day. Growing lamps are also available, so you can move the lights around depending on the pepper variety.
- Choose containers that drain well. This is critical and shouldn’t be overlooked. Most conventional containers, such as plastic pots or bowls, are suitable, but any container must have more than one drainage hole.
- Make sure the container is large enough for the type of pepper you are growing. Depending on the variety, peppers will need more or less room to grow.
- Fill the container with a soil mix that is high in organic matter and has excellent drainage. Peppers need soils that hold moisture, yet drain quickly so they do not become waterlogged.
- Plant at the appropriate time. Most pepper varieties need a long growing season of at least 6-8 weeks. Do not plant too early when there is a chance of cold weather.
Care & Maintenance
- Water regularly. Peppers need more water than most vegetables and will suffer from dry soil. Aim to water at least once a week, but don’t let the soil dry out completely.
- Fertilize the plants regularly. Use a water-soluble fertilizer every other week, but follow the recommendations on the package for the type of pepper you are growing.
- Watch for pests and diseases. Check plants regularly for any signs of disease or insects, and take action when necessary.
- Put a fan near chili peppers. Although peppers don’t need a fan blowing on them constantly, a fan set to low speed can help cool down the peppers during hot weather, which can help prevent the fruit from burning.
- Monitor the temperature. Peppers thrive in temperatures between 65-80ºF, although this can vary according to the variety. If temperatures drop too low, fruits may not set or ripen properly.
- Harvest regularly. Pick the peppers when they are ripe. Depending on the variety, peppers can be harvested green or red, or any stage in between.
Conclusion
Growing peppers indoors is definitely an achievable goal but requires knowledge and some effort. The keys to success are providing the plants with the right environment, containers, and soil, as well as proper care and maintenance. Paying attention to the peppers’ needs during their long growing season can result in a delicious harvest of nutritious peppers.
