Growing Peppers in Containers Is Easier Than You Think—Here’s How to Get It Right

Whether you want to grow sweet or hot peppers, they lend themselves to be planted in containers because these bushy, medium-sized plants usually don’t exceed 3 feet in height.

However, the right container and soil, as well as proper care of the plants, is key to producing a bountiful harvest. This guide covers everything you need to know about growing peppers in pots.

Choosing the Right Pot

A 3- to 5-gallon pot, measuring at least 12 inches in diameter and depth, is best for peppers. Smaller varieties, which often have ‘Mini’ or ‘Patio’ in their name, often fit in a 3-gallon pot. Large drainage holes, however, are a must.

Sturdy plastic containers, fabric grow bags, and unglazed terracotta pots all work for peppers. Keep in mind that clay pots are heavy so choose a more lightweight material if there is any chance you might need to move them.

Choosing the Right Soil

The best growing medium for peppers is a combination of soilless potting mix and compost. Soilless potting mix is lightweight and ensures good aeration and drainage, whereas compost delivers the necessary nutrients and moisture retention.

Filling your containers exclusively with potting mix is not recommended, as it is too light and increases the risk of the plants toppling over in high winds or when they are loaded with fruit.

How to Sow Peppers in Pots

Peppers are heat-loving plants that take 60 to 90 days to mature after they have been transplanted outdoors. Transplanting should not happen before the weather is consistently warm; temperatures below 50°F will stunt their growth.

That’s why peppers are typically started from seed indoors six to eight weeks before the last expected frost date. Even in a warm climate, peppers are not direct seeded but started in pots, which provides much better control over the germination process.

Fill the pot with your growing medium and dig a hole that matches the root ball. Place the pepper plant in the hole so it sits at the same height or slightly deeper than in its original pot. Backfill the hole and gently press it down to remove any air pockets.

Slowly water immediately after planting until water trickles out of the drainage hole.

How to Care for Peppers in Pots

To get the best harvest, give your peppers the best care.

Light

Peppers need at least 6 hours of direct sunlight every day; the more, the better. Move your pots to a place where they get the maximum amount of light.

 Water

In containers, plants dry out much faster than in garden soil, and they need regular supplemental watering even if there is some rainfall.

Count on watering your potted peppers at least every other day in cooler weather and daily when it’s hot and dry. Make sure to aim the water to the soil and not the foliage, and preferably water in the morning. If you water in the evening, do it early enough so the leaves have time to dry off before nightfall.

Always water slowly until water drains out of the drainage holes. If you are unsure whether the plant needs water, insert a finger in the soil about an inch deep. If the soil feels dry, the plant needs water.

Fertilizer

Because of the frequent watering, which washes out nutrients, potted peppers need more fertilizer than garden plants. Use a complete balanced garden fertilizer for vegetables, preferably an organic product, and apply it every three weeks during the active growing season.

Staking

Depending on the size of the plants and how windy your location is, you might want to stake your peppers. Staking prevents branches from breaking when they are loaded with fruit.

Drive a stout, 3- foot bamboo stake into the pot all the way to the bottom and use soft ties to tie the main stem and any large side branches to it.

Pruning

Cut back overcrowded, broken, or otherwise unhealthy-looking branches in mid-summer when the plants have reached 12 to 18 inches in height. Toward the end of the season, prune any flowers that won’t have time to grow into mature peppers before the first frost hits.

Repotting

As peppers are usually grown as annuals, their life cycle ends in the fall and repotting is unnecessary.

Harvesting

It depends on the variety when peppers are ripe and ready to be harvested. Check the plant label or seed package for what size and color the peppers should have.

Make sure to use sharp shears or scissors to cut the pepper off the plant and never pull it off the plant.