Growing Peppers Indoors – Guidelines & Tips
If you have a green thumb, don’t let it go to waste. Growing peppers indoors can be an incredibly rewarding experience, and can bring delicious veggies and spices right into your kitchen! Here are the essential guidelines and tips for growing peppers indoors.
Building the Perfect Environment
The most important thing for growing peppers indoors is to create a warm and sunny environment for them to thrive. You’ll want to find a spot close to a window that receives plenty of direct sunlight (at least 6 hours per day). If you don’t have that much natural light available, you can achieve the same effect with grow lights. Additionally, you’ll want to make sure that the temperature is between 70-75°F during the day and 60-65°F at night.
Choosing the Right Variety
When it comes to selecting a pepper variety to grow indoors, it’s important to choose one that is especially suited to growing indoors. Try to pick a variety with a compact shape, as these will take up less space and be easier to care for. Popular varieties for indoor growing include: Aji Dulce, Ancho, Baccatum, Habanero, Jalapeno, and Serrano.
Planting & Caring for Your Peppers
It’s best to start your pepper plants indoors from either seeds or starter plants. Plant your seeds in shallow containers or seed trays, and make sure to use a well-draining soil mix. Water frequently, but don’t overwater as that can cause root rot and other issues. Once the plants are a few inches tall, you can then transfer them into larger pots with sufficient space for the roots to stretch out.
Harvesting & Storage Tips
Once your peppers are fully ripe and ready to harvest, cut them off the stem with a pair of scissors, being careful not to damage the stem. Peppers can be stored in the refrigerator for at least a week or longer. If you want to keep them for an even longer period, blanch them first by plunging them in boiling water for one to two minutes and then immediately cool them off in an ice bath.
Growing peppers indoors can be a wonderful experience and a great way to brighten up your favorite dishes with fresh and flavorful peppers. With the right tips and guidelines, you’ll be well on your way to creating delicious home-grown peppers!
