Tips on Growing Peppers in Containers
I don’t know if you’re like me but I love for my foods to have a little kick at times and what better way to give those favorite dishes some spice than to add a little pepper? Growing your very own pepper tree will ensure that you have this sizzling spice on hand at all times, especially for those occasions that may call for a spicy flavor.
At the time I am writing this post, my wife, just a few days ago planted some pepper seeds so what we are waiting on is for them to reach maturity so that we can begin to harvest. You may be saying that you don’t have the yard space to plant a pepper tree no problem the good news is you can still have your homegrown pepper tree.
Right now my yard is undergoing a little construction meaning we are seeking to get things in order and though there are ornamental flowering plants and a lawn that grace our property we are seeking to install a vegetable garden in our backyard. Those pepper seeds that were mentioned a little earlier that were planted by my wife were sowed in an egg carton which we will later transfer into larger containers and then into our garden.
In this article, we will be going through the necessary steps in order to have success in growing peppers from containers, including the advantages of growing peppers with this method.
Let’s get started with what you will need
- Choosing your container/containers
- Choice of potting soils
- Choosing your pepper seeds or seedlings
- Planting your peppers
- Giving your pepper tree water
- Where to locate the containers
- Feeding your pepper tree
- Maintaining your pepper tree
- Time to harvest your peppers
- Advantages of container-grown pepper trees
Choosing your container
The container/ containers that are chosen should be large to accommodate your pepper tree so they can have enough room to grow. The container should also have drain holes for water drainage if water cannot find a place to drain will lead to root rot because of pepper trees having to sit for long periods of time under this condition so ensure the container has drain holes and as a rule, I would start with 3-gallon containers.
Choice of potting soil
The soil that is chosen should have the ability to absorb water but will allow excess moisture to drain through. An organic potting mix is not a must but this soil type will go a long way in helping to grow a plant that is healthy. Fill the container with potting soil but leave a few inches beneath the rim of the container free of soil. If the container is filled to the top with soil the seeds will wash away along with some of the soil when giving your peppers some water.
Choosing your peppers
There are many peppers to choose from for example goat peppers, bird peppers, etc… you can choose to grow your peppers from seeds or seedlings. With seeds, you will have a longer time to wait but with seedlings, you will have a head start. Don’t crowd the container but give a 3-4 inch spacing when sowing seeds or planting seedlings.
Where to locate the container
The location or area to place your container should be an area that is warm and gets plenty of sunlight.
Giving your pepper tree water
The soil of the pepper tree should be somewhat moist and not waterlogged which can lead to root rot.
Feeding your pepper tree
Although I have seen pepper trees grow pretty nicely without applying fertilizers you can still provide your trees with fertilizers because this will help in giving them a boost as you provide them with nutrients. A 5-10-10 fertilizer will give these nutrients.
Maintaining your hot pepper tree
You have planted your seeds/seedlings watered and have done all that you can to reap a harvest but to your surprise, you notice that bugs begin to attack your pepper tree. These garden insect pests will seek to make a meal out of your pepper tree, some of these pests include aphids, thrips spider mites, leaf miners, caterpillars, and flea beetles. The use of Neem oil, horticultural oil, insecticidal soap, or Bacillus thuringiensis will bring control. Before using any of these products read and follow the direction for the best results.
Time to harvest your hot peppers
Now comes the fun part and that is harvesting those peppers to add some spice to your favorite dishes. Hot peppers depending on the variety can be harvested anywhere from 60-85 days once hot peppers reach full color they are good to go.
Advantages of container-grown plants
1. Get a jump start on the season by growing pepper trees indoors during the winter months so when spring arrives your trees will be well on their way to giving a good harvest.
2. With container-grown plants you can always move your plants around or place them in a more secure environment when the weather becomes unfavorable.
3. Less weed means making weeding more manageable.
4. With these types of gardens, less water and fertilizers are required.
5. Lower risk of soil-borne disease.
6. Lower garden insect pests issues.
7. Lower risk when it comes to investing your hard-earned dollar.
8. These gardens are great for beginners.
9. Less physical work is needed.
10. You can garden at any time.
The disadvantage of container-grown plants
1. Because plants are confined to the container they are depending on you for water and nutrients.
2. The soil may dry out faster.
3. Based on the size of the container the plant may be heavy when seeking to move from one place to the next.
4. There are only so many crops or plants that can be grown.
5. Containers stand the risk of being stolen.
6. Containers can restrict the plant’s growth.
The final word on container-grown hot pepper trees
Growing hot peppers in containers are made possible by choosing this method, why limit yourself because you don’t have the yard space when container gardening is the perfect fit for you? Just follow the steps we have discus above and you will be well on your way to growing and harvesting your very own peppers from the comforts of your home which I think is amazing and what is also great is that you can have an almost endless supply of peppers to add spice to your life.
About the author
Norman loves being in the garden, both at home and for his job....
he is 'Natures Little helper' being outdoors, growing his vegetables and flowers from an early age.
Now having spent over 22 years in the profession he want to give some of his knowledge to others...
his vast array of hints and tips you will find scattered over this site will help you no end growing plants in your garden.
I love plants and sad to say I do not have a garden. I decided to grow some flowers and vegetables indoors or on my balcony.
I’m glad I landed on your page. Well, I will just start by growing peppers, my family favorite 🙂
I don’t think I can get any seedling right now, but I can get pepper seeds. I will just follow your instruction and start growing my peppers.
Thank you for the information.
Pepper trees are easy to grow all it takes is some know-how and you will be well on your way in harvesting your own homegrown peppers just follow the instructions that I have laid out and you will be just fine. All the best of success.
Hi there,
I loved your article!
I once tried to grow pepper in my garden, but unfortunately, I didn’t succeed. They died after a few weeks, such a shame.
I will try again to grow them, hoping this time they will last a little longer. I do have some questions, though. How long time can peppers hold in containers? How many times should I water my peppers per week? This time, I’ll buy some oils and insecticidal soaps that you recommended in the article for the bugs.
Thank you !
Hello so good to see you, peppers can last quite a while in containers depending on the size. If you have a pretty good size container that will work because pepper trees need some room to grow but getting them into the ground once they outgrow the container is better. Hope this helps.
I was wondering how big the container should actually be to grow these peppers. You speak of a ‘container big enough’. What would you actually advise me to get?
Also, I always plant my peppers indoors before moving them outside. However, I am always uncertain of when to bring them outside. I never know when would be the right time lol. Sometimes the plants already get pretty big and are literally screaming to go outside. But when I do get them out, it freezes 1 night and they are all dead 🙁
How can I determine when would be the perfect moment for them to be put outside?
Thanks for the great article, looking forward to your answers!
It all depends on what variety of hot peppers you are growing, once you know the size they reach at maturity will help you greatly. Your garden center should have information that can help along with the direction on the seed package. But as a set rule I would start with a 3-gallon container.
Base on what you said about bring plants outdoors I am assuming that you are talking about the cold season. Plants can be transferred outdoors once the weather warms up during springtime after the cold has passed. What I would do however is once the warm weather arrives I would bring my plant outside but return it indoors and then again the following day. I would do this for about a week and a half to 2 weeks exposing it to more sun if it is a full sun-loving plant.
Then by the third week, I would leave it outdoors providing if that is what you want to do. Indoor plants have to be climatized or trained untile they adapt outdoors which is a different climate. Hope this helps.
Heloo, there are so many advantages attached to planting own vegetables like, it helps you eat more fresh fruits and vegetables, you also get the chance to decide what kinds of fertilizers and pesticides come in contact with your food. I have been contemplating on planting my own vegetables. I think growing my own peppers in container is such a wonderful idea. Thanks for this education.
Hello, there is nothing like eating what you have grown it feels so great and the best part is that you can grow them in a way that does not come in contact with harmful pesticides. So happy to help and wishing you much success with your garden project.