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Growing Hot Peppers Indoor

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Kyle L

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Growing Hot Peppers Indoor

by Kyle L » Sun Nov 29, 2009 12:37 pm

I'd like to pick the brains of fellow Food persons around these parts. Recently, I've become interested in growing Hot Peppers inside; even during the warm months there is no space for outside gardening...I have absolutely NO clue where to start. Well, other than seeds. I'd appreciate any and all information people have, personally, with growing indoors. Surfing the Internet is fine and I can look at it all day long, but it's a little different when people are actually telling me you NEED to get this or DON'T do that; etc...

Thanks in advance.

I'm only going to start out small. Probably one of two kinds of peppers. NO need to overwhelm myself at the very start.
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Re: Growing Hot Peppers Indoor

by Mark H. » Sun Nov 29, 2009 2:23 pm

Hi, Kyle. I've grown a lot of peppers and herbs indoors during the winter. My best suggestion would be to visit one of our local grow shops. New Earth out Taylorsville Road or the one at 7th and Berry. It may be a little expensive because you will want at least a 250 watt high pressure sodium light. I would also recommend using the rockwool medium in a hydroponic setup. Soil attracts pests and you can end up with a lot of little bugs in the house. Good luck.
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Re: Growing Hot Peppers Indoor

by Steve P » Sun Nov 29, 2009 3:54 pm

Here's a good source of chile plants in season...probably the best variety on the internet.

http://www.chileplants.com/
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Re: Growing Hot Peppers Indoor

by Steve P » Sun Nov 29, 2009 3:55 pm

You might also check with John Hagen, he had a huge variety of hot peppers this season (including some Bhut Jolokias, which I found to be very prolific)...perhaps he still has some seeds left over from last year.
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Re: Growing Hot Peppers Indoor

by TP Lowe » Sun Nov 29, 2009 9:22 pm

Steve P wrote:You might also check with John Hagen, he had a huge variety of hot peppers this season (including some Bhut Jolokias, which I found to be very prolific)...perhaps he still has some seeds left over from last year.


Now, I'm really curious about bhut jholpias. I bought some seeds (ridiculous cost), but I then found out they need several weeks (maybe months) of 90+ temps to germinate. Anyone know different info?
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Re: Growing Hot Peppers Indoor

by Steve P » Sun Nov 29, 2009 11:14 pm

TP Lowe wrote:
Steve P wrote:You might also check with John Hagen, he had a huge variety of hot peppers this season (including some Bhut Jolokias, which I found to be very prolific)...perhaps he still has some seeds left over from last year.


Now, I'm really curious about bhut jholpias. I bought some seeds (ridiculous cost), but I then found out they need several weeks (maybe months) of 90+ temps to germinate. Anyone know different info?


Honestly I wouldn't mess with Jolokias again. They are kinda neat to grow (in a sadistic kinda way) but have no...nada...culinary value. Quite simply they are just "jackass" hot.
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Re: Growing Hot Peppers Indoor

by TP Lowe » Mon Nov 30, 2009 7:03 am

I sorta' thought that might be the case, Steve. Thanks for confirming it.
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Re: Growing Hot Peppers Indoor

by John Hagan » Mon Nov 30, 2009 10:18 am

I also suggest using a hydroponic method for indoor growing, as it is much more productive than soil based growing. I would google around and look at some of the systems that are available to get an idea of the size you need. After looking at them I would then suggest building your own. Most of the systems are really overpriced. Theres not much more to a good system other than a small fountain pump,buckets and some tubing. As far as the media being used,yes rockwool is a good option, but I prefer clay/terra cotta pebbles. Aside from the fact that rockwool dust is pretty bad to breathe in,the clay pebbles can be used over and over again and are easy to sterilize. Dont skimp on the PH meter. Controlling the PH and EC levels are one of the most important things you will do while growing hydroponically. The other thing that is going to cost some money is the lighting system. You can find used HPS lights on Craigslist. The indoor pot growers are just now realizing what commercial growers have known about for some time,LED lights are the way to go. These LED lights have many benefits including longer life,better spectrum of light,less noise(HPS has a loud buzzing ballast) and far cooler operation(again HPS get very hot).
Ill get back here and edit in a link for you once I find it. I have worked with a company that deals mainly with commercial produce growers, but as I recall they have a good home/hobby section as well.
Also look for seeds that are specifically geared toward indoor growing. The plants tend to be more compact and tolerant of the lower humidity levels inside a home. If you have trouble finding seeds I can help out. As Steve P noted I do grow a wide variety of peppers and source seeds all over. The Bhut Jolokias(Ghost pepper) seeds I found were from a guy in India. He said they do not eat them,but grind them up into a paste and paint the fence post around their fields to repel elephants from the crops.

Hers the link I was looking for http://www.amhydro.com/
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Re: Growing Hot Peppers Indoor

by Kyle L » Mon Nov 30, 2009 3:54 pm

Thanks, I'll look into it.

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