Growing Peppers Indoors – Guidelines & Tips
Growing peppers indoors is an excellent way to have fresh, flavorful and highly nutritious peppers all year round, even in colder climates. With a little planning, some care, and a few supplies, you can have a productive pepper crop growing in your home.
Location
Peppers need a lot of sunlight to thrive, and you should aim for six to eight hours of full sun for best results. If you cannot provide that on a windowsill or other sunny spot, then the next best option is to purchase artificial lighting for an indoor grow. Bulbs which are high in the red end of the spectrum like 650nm red LEDs are often recommended for pepper plants, and should be placed just a few inches above the plants.
Soil and Fertilizer
Like all plants, peppers need fertile soil with good drainage. You can purchase potting mix from your local garden center, or create your own mix using soil, sand, and compost. Peppers need a consistent supply of nutrients, so it’s recommended you feed plants regularly using a balanced fertilizer or natural organic fertilizer like compost tea.
Temperature
Ideal temperatures for pepper growth is between 70 to 80°F during the day and no lower than 60°F at night. Make sure the temperature doesn’t drop too low by using a heat mat or placing a few containers of water near the plants to act as a temperature buffer.
Watering
Pepper plants need to be watered regularly, but not over-watered. Allow the surface of the soil to dry out before adding more water. You can tell when the soil is ready for water by giving it a squeeze – if it feels dry and crumbles easily, it probably needs some water.
Harvesting
Peppers are ready to be harvested when their color has changed from green to the final color, such as red, yellow, or orange. You can just snap them off the stem when they’re ready. Be sure to regularly check your plants so your peppers don’t over-ripen and spoil.
Conclusion
Growing peppers indoors can be a rewarding and tasty experience. By taking the time to provide peppers with the right location, soil, fertilizer, temperature, and watering, you can enjoy a thriving pepper crop all year long.
