GrowHydroponicly

It’s 3:13 PM on March 31st, 2025, and I’m sitting at my desk, staring in awe at my hydroponic grow stations. Specifically, I’m looking at my chocolate Scotch bonnet pepper plants.

Today is an exciting day because I’m witnessing the first blooms opening up. There are four, maybe five, blossoms with delicate white petals and a yellow center, just like a classic flower you’d find outside.

But the real kicker? The top of the plant is loaded with about 50 more buds getting ready to burst open.

This morning, I decided it was finally time to change out the water. The plant had been sitting in the same nutrient solution for a few weeks, and while it wasn’t showing signs of stunted growth, I felt like it needed a refresh.

It’s growing rapidly, and I want to make sure it has everything it needs to thrive.

Lessons from Growing Hydroponically with Kratky

Being fairly new to hydroponics, especially the Kratky method, I’ve learned a few things along the way.

The Kratky system is excellent for short-term crops, but it’s not necessarily built for long-living plants. Growing Scotch bonnets outdoors in Jamaica as a kid, I remember they could last 3-5 years if properly cared for.

Now, seeing my plant confined to a small 2.5 liter cranberry juice bottle wrapped in aluminum foil, I’m starting to think it’s time for an upgrade.

I have a few five-gallon jugs lying around, so I’m considering giving my pepper plant a semi-permanent home soon.

Despite the small space, the plant is showing impressive signs of productivity. It’s only about 10-11 inches tall (around 27 to 30 cm), forming a beautiful bushy shape.

I’ve grown Scotch bonnets before, but this is my first time growing the chocolate variety indoors under lights and using hydroponics.

A Rocky Start

My patience was tested early on. I planted my Scotch bonnet seeds on January 17th. After a week and a half with no sprouts, I lost patience and decided to plant some basil in the same container.

Of course, as soon as the basil took off, the pepper seeds decided to sprout. The basil grew vigorously, overpowering the pepper seedlings and stealing most of the nutrients.

After a couple of weeks, I removed the basil and left one strong Scotch bonnet plant. But even then, the peppers were growing slower than everything else in my setup. I had beans, cucumbers, tomatoes, and basil all thriving, making the pepper plant feel like an afterthought.

That’s when I made the switch to the Kratky method. I figured if it was already surviving in water, why not give it a dedicated space? I set it up in the juice bottle, moved it closer to the lights, and hoped for the best.

Now, just a few weeks later, I’m staring at a flourishing plant that’s getting ready to produce a solid pepper yield.

Tips for Growing Peppers Hydroponically

If I had to start over with Scotch bonnets, I’d definitely remember to be patient. Pepper seeds, especially older ones like mine, take time to germinate.

Mine had been sitting in my apartment for over a year and a half. Another tip? Give your peppers space. They hate competing with faster-growing leafy greens, so it’s best to plant them solo or with similar companions.

Despite the challenges, I’m impressed with how well the roots have adapted. The confined bottle has slowed their growth, but they still appear healthy.

I also experimented a bit by trimming the roots of my cucumber and tomato plants due to overcrowding in my initial grow box. Surprisingly, it didn’t stunt their growth, likely because oxygen was still being pumped into the water.

Looking Ahead

My next step is to transplant the Scotch bonnet into a larger container, probably one of the five-gallon jugs.

This will give it more room to expand its roots and allow it to thrive without constant water changes.

I haven’t used any advanced nutrient mixes so far, just a basic A and B nutrient blend. I might add some calcium and other supplements later on, but for now, I’m keeping it simple.

This whole journey has been an experiment, and I’m eager to see how far I can push the plant with minimal adjustments.

So that’s where I am today. I’ll keep you all updated as things progress. Stay tuned for more posts on my chocolate Scotch bonnet hydroponic adventure!

Btw, you can find all the products I use here (these are all on amazon)

Happy growing!