Last Updated on October 15, 2022 by Griselda M.
Click and find out all about growing Thai chili peppers indoors.
Are you one of those who have fallen into the age-old trap of believing that Thai chili refers to just one single type of pepper from Thailand? You may not believe it, but today there are at least 79 separate varieties of this plant.
In Thailand, they are eaten as dried, fried, pickled, and fresh, and in dishes such as salads, curries, soups, pasta, and dips. – So, each type of Thai chili plant plays a major role in giving each dish its unique characteristics.
Stay with us and learn all about growing Thai chili peppers indoors.
About Thai Chili Plant
There is no single Thai chili pepper, although almost all those that are small in size and high in heat or pungency are regularly called Thai peppers. They owe their characteristic taste to capsaicin which is responsible for their tongue-tingling heat, and in addition, this pepper can burn skin for up to 12 hours. They were first introduced to Southeast Asia by Spanish conquistadors several hundred years ago.
Thai chili peppers produce a multitude of small, 1-inch (2.5 cm) fruits that are green when immature and ripen to a bright red color. This plant is mostly small in size (1 to 3 feet in height, depending on the variety) which makes it perfect for growing indoors.
As for their spiciness, due to their wide variety, Thai peppers usually range from 50,000 to 100,000 Scoville heat units. If we compare it with jalapeno pepper (2,500 to 8,000 Scoville heat units) we can say that this type of pepper is about 15 times hotter than the average jalapeno.
Mae Pranom Thai Chili Paste 8oz.
Growing Thai Chili Peppers Indoors
Container & Soil
Considering that unlike other bushy varieties of paprika, Thai chili peppers are much smaller in growth; their perfect container size is a 15-inch pot. This size offers enough space for your plant to develop healthy roots while preventing the soil from being waterlogged. Remember, an ideal container has drainage holes!
As for the soil, simply use rich, well-draining soil, i.e. a decent indoor potting mix that provides good drainage. You can also add a little vermiculite or perlite to improve drainage and add nutrients.
Light
Thai chili plants are sun-seekers. Try to place them on a sunny windowsill facing south, or perhaps one facing west. In case you don’t have enough sunlight, you can always supplement it with LED grow lights that you will place about 6 inches (15 centimeters) above. Finally, we must note that these plants need shade in the summer in the afternoon if you live in the tropics.
Temperature & Humidity
This type of chili pepper loves warm and humid conditions.
- Ideal temperature: between 70-90 F (21-32 C).
- For best growth: temperatures above 60 F (15 C).
- For optimal seed germination: temperatures above 68 F (20 C).
- The highest and lowest temperatures a plant can withstand are 95 F (35 C) and 50 F (10 C).
Watering
Watering is very important when growing Thai chili peppers indoors. Always keep the soil a little moist and never allow your chili plant to dry out completely. Also, try to avoid overhead watering as this can lead to the outbreak of various fungal infections caused by wet leaves. Finally, when the flowers begin to appear and the fruits begin to form, it is time to reduce watering a bit.
Feeding
Chili peppers are heavy feeders, so it is necessary to feed them regularly, especially when growing them indoors. The best way is to use fertilizers that contain three important elements – Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potassium, or N-P-K.
You can even use compost or well-rotting manure once a month to encourage plant growth.
Air Quality
Air quality in your home is also very important when growing Thai chili peppers indoors. Polluted air (smoke and irritants) affects the growth and overall development of your plant. So, for example, if you smoke, be sure to wash your hands before handling the chili plant because tobacco mosaic disease can be transmitted to plants.
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How To Harvest & Store Thai Chili Peppers?
As for the harvesting process, use a sharp knife or a pair of scissors and cut close to the stem. Try not to pluck the fruit from the pepper plant as you risk damaging the plant. Then store freshly picked unwashed chili peppers in the refrigerator for at least a week.
In addition to being able to store them in the fridge, you can even dry them in the sun, oven, or by hanging them to dry on a string. By hanging them on a string, you can add a lovely splash of color to your kitchen!
Abstract
Growing Thai chili peppers indoors is a great way to enjoy fresh peppers all year round. What these plants need is a south-facing sunny window or grow lights, warmth, and well-draining soil. Although this pepper plant grows well in basic vegetable gardens, growing it indoors gives a lovely splash of color to brighten your decor.
We hope you found this article on growing Thai chili peppers indoors useful. If you have any questions, let us know in the section below.
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FAQs
How Do You Grow Thai Chili Indoors?
Like all other peppers, Thai chili peppers will only thrive in warm weather and plenty of sunshine. In addition, they require well-drained soil, frequent watering, and protection from hot, dry winds.
They are a great fit for growing indoors in containers, so choose a pot with a drainage hole and fill the pot with all-purpose commercial potting soil to give your plants everything they need to thrive.
Can You Grow Peppers Indoors All Year?
Chili peppers are perennials which means they can live for multiple years. They can thrive indoors, but only if given the right amount of care. So, yes, you can grow peppers indoors all year round.
Do Thai Chili Plants Need Full Sun?
Thai chili peppers prefer the full sun; they will grow in partial shade as well, but will not be as productive. Try to place your plant in a sunny spot to provide it with this essential factor necessary for its progress.