Growing Peppers Indoors – Guidelines & Tips
Growing peppers indoors can be a rewarding experience, and many varieties can be easily grown in containers on a windowsill or balcony. With the right tips, you can quickly cultivate healthy peppers in the comfort of your own home.
Get the Basics Right
Peppers are generally easy to grow, and they grow best in warm temperatures (around 60-85 degrees F), a bright location, and well-draining soil. A pot or container should be around 12-18 inches tall and 12 inches wide, and should contain either a good quality potting soil or a rich mixture of compost and soil. Tip: Use a soil that has a good balance of drainage and moisture retention.
Planting the Seeds
After the soil is prepared, it’s time to plant your seeds. Plant the seeds ¼ inch deep and keep the soil moist but not soggy. Place your container in a warm, sunny location and cover it with plastic wrap to help retain moisture and warmth. When your seedlings emerge, remove the plastic wrap to allow in air flow.
Water & Fertilizer
Be sure to check your soil daily to make sure it is moist and not dried out. Some peppers may need more frequent watering depending on your environment. When the peppers are four inches tall, you can begin feeding them with a mild fertilizer. Half-strength fertilizer is recommended for container-grown peppers.
Disease & Pests
Peppers grown indoors are especially vulnerable to disease and pests. To prevent these issues, be sure to check your pepper plants regularly for signs of disease or pests. If you do spot any, you should address the issue immediately to prevent it from spreading.
Harvesting
When the peppers are fully ripe, they are ready for harvesting. For bell peppers, wait until the peppers reach their full size and the outer skin becomes glossy. For hotter varieties like jalapenos, you will want to pick them before they become too hot. Ripening peppers can be picked while they are green or red.
Enjoy!
With some patience and the right tips, you can easily grow pepper plants in containers on your windowsill or balcony. Enjoy the fruits of your labor and the fresh peppers you have grown in your own home!
