How to Plant Peppers in Containers: A Step-by-Step Guide

Growing Peppers in a Pot

Peppers are one of the best vegetables to grow in containers. If you have little space, poor soil, or want to move your plants easily, growing peppers in a planter box is a great choice.

This guide will walk you through the entire process. We'll help you select the best pepper varieties and ensure their proper care for a record harvest.

Choosing the Right Pepper Variety for Your Planter

Let's start with not all peppers grow well in containers. Some varieties stay compact and adapt better to limited space. Here are some of the best options:

• Bell peppers – Sweet and great for fresh eating.
• Jalapeños – Perfect for a bit of spice.
• Cayenne peppers – Great for drying and making hot pepper flakes.
• Mini sweet peppers – Small and flavorful.
• Banana peppers are mild and ideal for pickling.

When selecting seeds or seedlings, consider your growing season and local climate. If your season is short, you may need to start seeds indoors before transplanting.

The great thing about peppers is that you can grow them indoors to enjoy them year-round.

Selecting the Right Gardening Container

Choosing the correct container is critical for successful pepper growing. Peppers have deep roots and need ample space. Here’s what to look for:

• Size: A minimum of 3-5 gallons per plant; larger varieties may need 5 gallons or more.
• Material: Plastic box planters, 5-gallon buckets, or fabric grow bags work well.
• Drainage: Always choose a container with drainage holes to prevent root rot.
• Depth: A container at least 12 inches deep is ideal for most peppers.

A box planter can be used to grow multiple plants in one space. For example, EarthBox offers an award-winning system that virtually guarantees success. It helps control everything from soil conditions to watering.

How Many Peppers Can I Grow in a Container?

Generally, one pepper plant per 3-5 gallon container is best. With a planter box, multiple plants can be used when spaced 12-18 inches apart. Planting two peppers in a smaller garden container can lead to nutrient competition and stunted growth.

EarthBox offers handy planting placement charts to make things simple.

How Many Peppers Does a Plant Produce?

The number of peppers a plant produces depends on the variety and growing conditions. On average:

• Bell peppers produce 5-10 peppers per plant over the season.
• Jalapeños and cayenne peppers yield 30-50 peppers per plant.
• Mini sweet peppers can produce 50+ peppers per plant with proper care.

The right nutrients, sufficient sunlight, and proper pruning will significantly increase your yield.

Choosing the Right Soil and Fertilizer

Peppers need nutrient-rich soil that drains well. Avoid using garden soil, which compacts and prevents proper root development. Instead, use a potting mix specifically designed for vegetables. Look for one that includes compost or organic material for added nutrients. Learn more about the best soil for garden containers.

Use a slow-release fertilizer during planting. If you start with seeds, begin fertilizing every couple of weeks with a diluted mix as plants develop. Once the plants get a sizeable supplement with a balanced fertilizer (10-10-10), fertilize every few weeks.

Planting Peppers in Planter Boxes

You can sow seeds directly into containers or start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost date. If using seedlings, follow these steps:

1. Fill your container with potting soil, leaving about an inch of soil from the top.
2. Dig an inch-deep hole and place the seedling.
3. Gently press soil around the base.
4. Water thoroughly.

If planting multiple peppers in a box planter, space them at least 12-18 inches apart.

How Long Does It Take to Grow Peppers from Seed?

Peppers take about 7-10 days to germinate under the right conditions. They need consistent warmth (70-85°F) and moisture to sprout. Once they germinate, seedlings require 6-8 weeks before they are strong enough for you to transplant them. Most pepper plants start producing fruit 60-90 days after transplanting.

Key Success Factors for Growing Pepper in Containers

Like most plants, peppers require sunlight, water, and the right temperature.

Peppers thrive with at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily. If growing indoors during winter months, add grow lights to supplement light.

Best Temperatures for Peppers

Peppers prefer warm temperatures but can struggle in extreme heat or cold. The ideal temperature is 70-90 degrees during the day and 55+ degrees at night. Your plants will suffer in more extreme temperatures.

• Too cold: Below 50°F can stunt growth, and frost will kill plants.
• Too hot: Above 90°F, peppers may stop setting fruit, and above 100°F, flowers can drop.

You can use shade cloth in high heat to protect plants in extreme temperatures. You can also move your box planter to a shaded location during peak temperatures. EarthBox offers wheels for their Original container gardening system that make moving your garden a breeze.

Cover your plants or bring your planting boxes indoors if cold conditions are on the way.

How Often Should You Water Container Peppers

Peppers need consistent moisture, but too much water can lead to root rot. That's especially true if your gardening container lacks drainage.

A good rule of thumb is to check the top inch of soil—if it feels dry, it’s time to water. However, you may need to water daily on 90-degree days in July and August. You might even need to water twice daily if you have a small planter.

Cooler conditions generally require less watering. Sometimes, every 2-3 days may be sufficient.

Don't be shy about adding mulch to your planter box. It helps retain moisture, prevents weeds, and keeps plant roots cool.

Self-Watering Planters for Peppers

If you struggle with keeping your peppers watered consistently, consider using a self-watering planter. These containers have a built-in reservoir that allows the plant to access water as needed. They help prevent overwatering while ensuring the plant never dries out completely.

Self-watering planters are especially useful for gardeners who travel frequently or experience hot, dry climates. They're also a confidence booster if you're unsure whether to water. The planter does it for you; all you must do is keep the reservoir filled.

We mentioned EarthBox planter boxes. They include sub-irrigation to avoid under and overwatering. The fill tube lets you add water to the reservoir, where plants drink when they need it.

Supporting and Pruning Your Pepper Plants

Some pepper plants may need support as they grow. Use stakes or small cages to keep plants upright. Pruning can also improve fruit production:

• Remove the first few flowers to encourage strong root development.
• Trim excess leaves to improve air circulation.

Companion Planting for Peppers

Companion planting can help improve pepper yields and reduce pest problems. Here are some good companion plants for peppers:

• Basil – Helps repel aphids and enhances flavor.
• Carrots – Provide ground cover to retain soil moisture.
• Lettuce – Occupies little space and provides shade for pepper roots.
• Onions & Garlic – Naturally deter pests.

And yes! Peppers and tomatoes share similar growth requirements. So they make great companions in a planter box or garden bed. However, be mindful of potential disease transfer.

Both plants are susceptible to blight. So, ensure proper spacing and airflow to reduce the risk of fungal infections.

Preventing Pests and Diseases with Your Potted Peppers

Common pests that affect peppers outdoors include:

• Aphids – Wash off with water or use insecticidal soap.
• Spider mites – Increase humidity or spray with neem oil.
• Whiteflies – Sticky traps help reduce infestations.

Common pepper plant diseases include mosaic virus, blight, leaf spot, and powdery mildew. You can minimize risks by ensuring proper spacing between plants to encourage airflow. In addition, water is at the plant's base and not overhead. The less water that gets on the plant's leaves, the fewer chances you'll get fungal diseases.

Harvesting Your Container Peppers

You've watched your plants sprout, grow, flower, and fruit. And now, finally, it's time to harvest peppers. You can tell when your peppers are fully ripe using these three signs:

1. The skin takes on the color of the pepper.
2. The pepper reaches the appropriate size.
3. The pepper begins to cork, which looks like stretch marks.

Use sharp scissors or pruning shears to cut peppers off the plant instead of pulling them. Leave a small stem attached to the pepper. It helps the pepper last longer before spoiling.

EarthBox: Your Smart Choice for Container Gardening

Growing peppers in a planter box or box planter is an easy and rewarding way to produce fresh vegetables at home. Just pick the variety and use a quality potting mix. Then, keep your plants sunny and water them when needed.

For added insurance, use EarthBox planter boxes. They've been helping gardeners successfully grow fresh produce for over 30 years. They even make it easy to start with a top-rated planter box kit.

For only $64, you get everything you need for container gardening success. Just pick your pepper varieties and add a quality potting mix.