Growing Peppers Indoors – Guidelines & Tips
Do you crave the flavor of fresh, home-grown peppers but live in a climate not hospitable to them? Have no fear – with the right instructions and some hard work, you too can have the perfect peppers, right in your own home! Here are some guidelines and tips for growing peppers indoors.
Get the Right Seeds
If you’re growing peppers indoors, pepper varieties that grow well in containers, like bell peppers and jalapeno peppers, are best. Look for seeds that are labeled “heat-tolerant” as these are more likely to thrive in an indoor environment.
Select the Right Pot
The containers you use to house your peppers should be at least 12 inches deep and 12-18 inches wide. Fill the container with well-draining potting soil and mix in a slow-release fertilizer. Make sure your containers have drainage holes as peppers don’t do well in overly wet soil.
Position Carefully
Peppers need a lot of direct sunlight to thrive, so position your containers near a window that receives full sunlight for most of the day. A south- or west-facing window is ideal. If you don’t have a window that gets enough sunlight, you may want to invest in a full-spectrum grow light.
Watch the Water
Keep your peppers watered but not overwatered. Aim for a soil that’s lightly moist at all times and water it every 1-2 days – or more frequently if the soil becomes dry. Generally, peppers need an inch of water per week, so you may want to measure out your waterings to make sure your peppers are getting enough.
Provide Adequate Heat
Peppers like warm temperatures, so if your home is cooler than 65 F, you may need to invest in a space heater or warming tray. Keeping the temperature as constant and consistent as possible is ideal.
Fertilize
Be sure to fertilize your peppers every 2-3 weeks with either a balanced liquid fertilizer or fish emulsion. Fertilizing helps your peppers reach their full potential.
Harvest & Enjoy!
Most pepper plants take 2-3 months to reach full maturity, and at that point they can be harvested. When harvesting, be sure to wear gloves and wash your hands afterwards – peppers are very spicy and can produce an uncomfortable burning sensation if handled without protection. Finally, thoroughly clean and dry your peppers before consuming or storing. Enjoy!
