How to grow chilli peppers under artificial lighting

Autumn is waiting just around the corner, and for many chilli pepper growers that means the season is coming to an end. Not for everyone, though! Some chilli enthusiasts are not discouraged even by bad weather and grow their beloved plants throughout the winter as well. With the possibilities offered by indoor growing, you can not only overwinter chilli, but also grow tasty peppers. Not sure where to start? In the following lines, we will teach you the basics of indoor growing and introduce the essential equipment you will need.

It is likely that chilli peppers originally came from Central or South America and were first cultivated by the people of Mexico. Chilli reached the European continent only towards the end of the 16th century, but this unusual plant quickly won over its admirers, which gradually led not only to cultivation all over the world, but also to the emergence of five distinct chilli species.

• Capsicum anuum includes many common varieties, such as bell peppers, wax peppers, cayenne, jalapeños, Thai peppers, chiltepin and all forms of chilli peppers from New Mexico.
• Capsicum frutescens includes tabasco, malagueta, labuyo, piri piri and kambuzi.
• Capsicum chinense includes the hottest peppers, such as naga, habanero, datil and Scotch bonnet.
• Capsicum pubescens includes South American rocoto peppers.
• Capsicum baccatum includes South American pepper varieties

The variability of the Capsicum species has allowed growers to breed hundreds and possibly thousands of cultivars with different properties and flavours, but all peppers have one thing in common: they only thrive in warm weather. As soon as the temperature outside drops below 15 °C, their plant growth stops and they cease to bear fruit. Although you can theoretically overwinter chilli in a winter garden or on a windowsill, in our latitude there is little light during the winter months and the plants will probably suffer or even die. Indoor plant growing under artificial lighting consists of creating favourable conditions so that plants can grow even without natural sunlight. Growing chilli indoors brings many advantages, above all:

• Year-round harvest: You no longer have to wait for summer! Enjoy fresh chilli peppers regardless of the season.
• Pest protection: Growing under cover in controlled conditions significantly reduces the risk of common outdoor pests, such as slugs, caterpillars, spider mites or aphids.
• Controlled environment: Consistently stable humidity, temperature and high light intensity allow plants to achieve optimal growth. Harvest more, and faster!
• Efficient use of space: Thanks to grow tents, you can grow your own peppers even without an outdoor garden or balcony. The efficiency of indoor growing allows you to produce a huge amount of harvest even in a small space.

Basics of indoor chilli growing

To start growing chilli under artificial lighting, you will need basic equipment for indoor growing.

Grow tent

A grow tent, also known as a grow box, is essential for creating a controlled environment. It provides a space where you can regulate light, temperature and humidity. Grow tents are made in various sizes, so it is possible to grow just a few plants in a small grow box or, conversely, turn an entire room in a flat into a flowering garden.

Grow lighting

Grow lighting is the most important and probably also the most expensive component of your indoor garden. Since plants grown indoors in a grow box are not exposed to sunlight, they are entirely dependent on the energy from grow lights. Quality grow lighting must have sufficient intensity and the correct wavelength, which is why it is necessary to use full-spectrum LED lights designed specifically for use in agriculture.

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Ventilation and air circulation

Plants need a constant supply of fresh air for their growth. The grow tent or room must be ventilated sufficiently to prevent mould, rot and other plant diseases. The main drivers of your indoor garden are two fans: an extract fan, which serves to vent the “stale” air from the growing space, and a circulation fan to move air around inside the grow box. Extract fan is simply connected to the purpose-made sleeve in the upper part of the grow tent and, if necessary, can be supplemented with a odour filter, which minimises odour from the grow room. Place circulation fans with an oscillator inside the tent so that the air flow is directed slightly above the tops of the plants in the direction of the grow lights.

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Temperature and humidity control

Chilli peppers thrive in a warm and slightly humid environment. While you cannot do much about the weather outdoors, when growing indoors it is essential to constantly monitor and, if necessary, adjust the microclimate in the growing space. You will need a proper thermometer with hygrometer, or possibly heating for the grow box, dehumidifier or air humidifier. The optimal temperature and humidity values in the growing space will vary depending on the species grown, but in general chilli peppers prefer temperatures in the range of 22-26 °C and relative humidity of 70-90%.

Nutrients and soil

When growing indoors, you can grow chilli in the traditional way in pots planted in horticultural substrate, but you also have the option of trying less common methods of plant cultivation. Hydroponics consists of growing plants without soil using a nutrient solution and is an extremely efficient and clean method. You can use a wide range of growing substrates, for example coconut or rockwool, which also allow you to try various fertilisers, from fully organic to highly effective mineral ones. Do not be afraid to experiment! The beauty of indoor growing also lies in the possibility of changing or adjusting the growing technique at any time according to your needs.

Would you like to start growing chilli under artificial lighting, but do not know where to begin? We have prepared complete indoor chilli growing sets for you, with which even a beginner can manage it with ease. We also recommend visiting our blog, where you will learn everything important about indoor growing.