How to Grow Pepper Seeds Hydroponically

Hydroponics is a soil-free plant growing system, intended to make growing more efficient and productive. When growing peppers hydroponically, they are generally placed in a substrate (a physical media that holds the plant's roots) such as rock wool, and then nourished with a nutrient solution. This method of growing has the advantages of producing greater yields of bigger peppers and of protecting the plants from pests and disease, but requires some effort and education.

Hydroponics system
Pepper seeds
Rock wool cubes
Rock wool slabs
Nutrient formula

Instructions

- 1
  Store the seeds at 75 degrees Fahrenheit for two to three weeks before planting. This greatly increases the probability that they will sprout.
- 2
  Set up your hydroponics system. This may consist of trays or buckets, and may be either indoor or outdoor. Make sure that your system includes an air pump that puts oxygen into the water. If your system is inside, make sure that you provide 8 to 18 hours of light a day at around 5500 lux. Outside plants should be grown in partial shade.
- 3
  Soak the rock wool cubes with water and place the pepper seeds within them. Keep them in this state until they have sprouted and started producing their first leaves (around 10 to 12 days) and do not allow the rock wool to dry out.
- 4
  Mix a nutrient formula (such as Dutch Nutrient Formula Gro A & B) at half strength and water the plants completely with it. Make sure that the nutrient solution has a pH between 5.5 and 6.0, and a temperature of 75 to 77 degrees Fahrenheit.
- 5
  After another seven days or so (when the first leaves are at least an inch long), soak the rock wool blocks in full-strength nutrient solution. After this time has elapsed, transplant the peppers to rock wool slabs. At this point, the plant's roots should be continually immersed in water.
- 6
  Set up wire stands (like those used to support tomatoes) to help support the pepper plants as they grow. This will be especially important for bell peppers because their fruit is so large. Begin putting nutrients into the water twice a day as demanded by your type of pepper.
- 7
  Switch over to a more bloom-oriented nutrient solution (such as Dutch Nutrient Formula Bloom A & B) as the flower buds start to develop. If desired, you can pinch off the first buds that appear. This will delay the first harvest of peppers, but will increase the overall yield.
- 8
  Gently shake the plants occasionally once the flowers have bloomed. Do this during the driest part of the day. This step will cause the plants to pollinate each other, which will improve the fruit.
- 9
  Harvest individual peppers as they ripen.

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