How to Grow Sweet Peppers Using a Hydroponic System for Beginners
Basic Data
- ☀ Ideal Temperature: Sweet peppers thrive in temperatures between 70°F to 80°F.
- 🌱 Germination Time: Usually takes 10 to 21 days to germinate.
- 📅 Time to Maturity: Typically matures and begins to produce fruit in about 60 to 90 days.
Germination Steps
- Step 1: Soak the planting sponge and gently squeeze out excess moisture.
- Step 2: Place sweet pepper seeds into the damp sponge.
- Step 3: Maintain a warm environment until seeds germinate.
- Step 4: Move the sponge with the sprouted seeds to the vertical hydroponic system.
Growing Process
Light Requirements Table
| Stage | Light Duration | Light Spectrum | Light Intensity |
| Germination | Not required | Not applicable | Not applicable |
| Seedling | 14-16 hours/day | Full spectrum | 200-300 µmol/m²/s |
| Vegetative | 16-18 hours/day | Full spectrum | 300-500 µmol/m²/s |
| Mature | 16-18 hours/day | Full spectrum, more Red | 300-500 µmol/m²/s |
- 💧 Water Pump Volume and Duration: Set to cycle every 15 minutes.
- 🔧 pH Value: 5.5 to 6.5.
- 🍼 Nutrient Ratio:
- Nitrogen: 200 parts per million
- Phosphorus: 150 parts per million
- Potassium: 250 parts per million
- Calcium: 175 parts per million
- Magnesium: 75 parts per million
- Trace Elements: Include Iron, Manganese, Zinc at 2 parts per million each as needed.
Plant Benefits
- High Yield: Sweet peppers can produce a substantial amount of fruit per plant.
- Nutritional Value: Rich in vitamins A and C, and a good source of dietary fiber.
- Variety of Colors: Available in various colors, adding visual interest and versatility in cooking.
Conclusion
Sweet peppers are a vibrant and nutritious addition to any hydroponic garden, ideal for those looking to grow something both beautiful and useful. Their requirements for light and nutrients are easily managed in a hydroponic setup, allowing for consistent, high-quality yields. As you gain experience, you can enjoy a variety of colors and flavors from your very own sweet peppers.
