Growing Peppers Indoors – Guidelines & Tips

Growing peppers indoors is a rewarding experience! It takes a bit of extra effort to create the right environment for cultivating pepper plants indoors, but with the right method you can enjoy a plentiful and delicious harvest of peppers year round. This article will provide you with detailed guidelines and tips for successfully growing peppers indoors.

Selecting the Right Pepper Variety

When selecting a pepper to grow indoors, choose one that is known for its ability to thrive indoors, such as bell peppers, Cayenne peppers, or jalapeno peppers. Some of the more unusual varieties, such as habanero or ghost peppers, are ideal for growing indoors as they are not as high maintenance as some other varieties. It is important to note that some varieties are more difficult to grow indoors than others, so do your research and select a variety that suits your needs and desires.

Light

Pepper plants need 6-10 hours of bright indirect light everyday. To ensure your peppers receive this much light, place your plants in a sunny spot in your home, such as near a south-facing window, and move the container as needed with the sun’s shifts in order to ensure your plants are getting the best light possible. If your peppers are not receiving enough natural light, you can supplement with grow lights.

Water and Humidity

Peppers require plenty of moisture to thrive. Regularly water your peppers with lukewarm water and make sure to water deeply. You should also increase the humidity around the peppers by spraying them with a water mist at least once a day. The ideal humidity for peppers is around 60%.

Temperature

Peppers require relatively warm temperatures in order to thrive indoors. Peppers can tolerate temperatures between 60-85F, so it is important to keep your home warm while your peppers are growing. If temperatures in your home dip too low, you can use up supplemental heat such as a small heater or grow mat.

Soil

When it comes to soil, peppers prefer a light and well-draining soil. A light potting soil is best, and make sure to add a few handfuls of perlite, vermiculite, or sand to the soil to ensure it is well draining.

Fertilizer

Peppers need regular fertilizing to be successful. Use a balanced fertilizer that is rich in nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium every couple of weeks. Make sure to follow the instructions on the label, as applying too much fertilizer can burn the pepper plants.

Harvesting

Peppers usually take between 60-90 days to reach maturity, or at least 8 weeks since planting. Once the peppers are mature, they should be picked as soon as possible. If left on the plant too long, peppers will become more pungent and less sweet.

Conclusion

Growing peppers indoors is a fulfilling and delicious experience that can provide you with a bounty of peppers year round. By following the steps outlined above, you should be able to successfully cultivate your own pepper plants indoors. With the right environment and care, you’ll be snacking on beautifully plump peppers in no time!