Growing Peppers Indoors – Guidelines & Tips
Growing peppers indoors is possible with the right guidelines and tips! Not only is it possible to enjoy delicious hot peppers, bell peppers, or sweet peppers all year round with this method, but it is a rewarding hobby that allows a gardener the opportunity to experiment with different flavors and varieties to liven up their everyday meals.
Choosing the Right Kind of Pepper
Before getting started, it is important to check that the variety of pepper being grown is suitable for indoor gardening. Certain varieties are better for outdoor environments, and as a general rule of thumb, look for varieties labeled “bush/dwarf”, “compact”, or “determinate”. Bush/dwarf varieties have a compact and bushy habit, with fruits ripening all at the same time, while compact varieties have a more slender and elongated habit, and tend to produce slowly. Determinate varieties are well-suited for container-growing and stay relatively short while still producing an appealing, large number of peppers.
It is also important to consider that the number seeds that another gardener uses does not always guarantee similar results. Different climates, stability of pH in the potting soils, and other factors can have drastically different growth results and production yields.
Getting Started
The best place to start is with a starter plant or seedling. Planting seeds directly works, but the process can be more lengthy and have a lower success rate. Transplanting from starter plants is usually more successful, especially when all variables—such as temperature, light, water, pH balance, and nutrient levels—are ideal. When starting with seeds, make sure to use garden soil that is specifically formulated when bringing them indoors.
Ideal Growing Conditions
When it comes to ideal growing conditions, all plants need water, but peppers need just the right amount. Too much or too little water can affect growth. Aim to keep the soil moist but not soggy. Neem oil fertilizer, liquid seaweed fertilizer, and fish emulsion fertilizer are all known to work best with peppers, as opposed to solid, more time-released fertilizers.
Most peppers prefer lots of light, so make sure to place the container on a sunny window sill or use a grow light to provide at least eight hours of indirect light. Good air circulation and warm temperature are also important. The pepper plants should be kept between 65 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit at all times.
Harvesting Time
To ensure that plenty of small peppers are available, make sure to harvest as soon as they begin the ripening process. The best way to know when is to look for when the peppers turn from green to their finished color. Usually, a finger is enough to tell if the pepper can be picked and not too hard.
Healthy Pepper Plants
The pH balance of the soil should be checked often with a pH soil meter, making sure it is between 6 and 7 for best results. Also, be aware that bugs may find their way indoors, so check the pepper plant for them. Most garden centres sell pansy spray, a type of bug repellent, which can be used to get rid of any bugs in case of an infestation.
Final Tips
With a couple of small adjustments, pepper plants grow quickly and provide an excellent source of harvest. Furthermore, growing peppers indoors ensures that all of the tasty peppers are picked at their ripest and freshest. For that reason, homegrown peppers tend to have a more intense flavor, so with a bit of tender, love, and care, enjoy the fruits of one’s labours and have the best peppers money cannot buy!
Summary
Growing peppers indoors requires the right guidelines and tips. Choose a suitable variety such as bush/dwarf, compact, or determinate, and start with starter plants. peppers need the right amount of water, light, and temperature, and the soil pH should be checked often. Pansy spray can be used to get rid of bugs in case of an infestation. With a bit of tender, love, and care, enjoy the fruits of one’s labours and have the best peppers money cannot buy!
Happy Growing!
