Growing Peppers Indoors – Guidelines & Tips
Do you love the taste of fresh hot peppers, but struggle to grow them in your outdoor garden? Growing peppers indoors can provide you with the bounty of hot peppers throughout the year. With some simple guidelines and tips, you can easily start and grow peppers indoors.
Setting Up Your Indoor Growing Area
To get started, choose a spot in your home that has plenty of sunshine. South- or west-facing windows can provide 6-10 hours of sunlight daily. You can also use supplemental grow lights if needed. Make sure the growing area has adequate airflow and humidity levels and is kept at a consistent temperature between 68 and 75 degrees F (20-24 degrees C).
Preparing the Soil for Planting
When using a pot for growing peppers indoors, use a potting mix specifically designed for container plants. For larger containers, add some pumice or perlite to the soil for better drainage. Make sure to use a pot that is at least two feet deep with several drainage holes for proper water flow. The pepper plants should be planted at least 12” (30 cm) apart.
Watering and Feeding
Pepper plants need to be watered frequently, about every 1-2 days. Improve the drainage capability of the containers and allow the top 1-2” (2.5-5 cm) of soil to dry out before watering again. Fertilize with a standard tomato fertilizer once or twice per week to promote healthy pepper production. The fertilizer should not be applied too close to the plant’s stem.
Disease and Pest Control
Keep your pepper plants healthy and free of pests and diseases. Check plants for signs of wilting, leaf damage, or other problems and treat accordingly. Remove any dead leaves to help prevent fungal problems. For pest control, use insecticides or soaps to get rid of any unwanted bugs. Try to avoid using chemical pesticides if at all possible.
Harvesting and Storage
When the peppers are ready to be harvested, use a pair of scissors to cut off the fruit. Peppers can be stored in a refrigerator or dehydrated for later use. With some dedication and care, you can now enjoy the bounty of peppers year-round.
