Author: Brian

Growing bell peppers in pots is easy and produce an attractive harvest of a good crop. in addition, it will encourage you as a gardener to grow more peppers.

Bell peppers are the most common and most popular of all the different types of peppers, especially among adults.  The reason for this popularity is because they are versatile.  You can use them in many different ways in salads, soups, appetizers, as a side dish, and even as a topping for meat.

A well-kept secret about growing bell peppers in pots is that they can be grown in the same way as other vegetables such as tomatoes.  So if you are looking for a good harvest of this fruit, but don’t have a garden, then you might want to consider growing bell peppers in pots. This guide will help you grow bell peppers in pots successfully.

How To Grow Bell Peppers in Pots Successfully

The first step to growing bell peppers in pots is to select the right variety. There are many different kinds of bell peppers, each with its own unique flavor and color.  If you are growing your bell peppers from seed, you should select a variety that produces small, round, and smooth fruit.

You can also choose a variety that is mild in taste, like the “Sweet Banana”, or you can choose one that is spicy, like the “Crimson Cayenne”.  You can even choose a variety that is both sweet and spicy, like the “Thai Hot”.

If you are new to growing peppers in pots, then you will want to start with some general information first. The first thing you will need to do is decide whether you want to grow hot or sweet peppers.

Hot peppers are more pungent, while sweet peppers are milder and sweeter.  Both types can be used for a variety of different purposes. For example, you can use hot peppers to make salsa, as a topping for meat, or even as a salad dressing.

Sweet peppers are best when they are used for making sauces, jams, and jellies. You can use the seeds of the pepper you are growing to make your own salsa, or you can also save the seeds and plant them next year.  

The same method applies to growing bell peppers in pots. You can grow them in either a hot or sweet pepper variety.

Once you have selected the right variety, you should start planting your seeds at least two weeks before your last frost date.  In fact, if you have a greenhouse, then you should start your seeds indoors a month before your last frost date.  This will give your plants a head start on growing.

Check Out A Guide On Pepper Plant Spacing

Choose a Good-sized Pot and Potting Soil

The pot size should be at least six inches high, and preferably taller than the tallest plant you plan on growing in it. The best way to do it is to choose a pot that has a wide bottom and is shallow enough so that the water can drain easily.

Another important consideration when choosing a pot is what soil you will be using.  If you are using a potting mix, then you should only use one type of soil. 

If you are using organic soil, then you can mix a couple of different types of soils together.  You may even want to use a fertilizer that is specifically designed for growing peppers.

WONDER SOIL Organic Potting Soil | Ready to Plant Coco Coir Fully Loaded with Nutrients

Once you have chosen the right sized pot and soil, then you need to decide how big your plants will get.  Once your bell pepper plant is mature, you want to make sure to use a pot that is 10 to 12 inches wide and 10 to 12 inches tall.

You should also make sure that the soil in the pot is loose and rich.  If the soil is too dense, it will be difficult for the roots to grow. 

In order to grow bell peppers in pots successfully, you need to keep the soil moist at all times.  This is especially important during the first few weeks of the plant growing.

Set a Watering Schedule

Once the plant has grown a little bit, you can gradually reduce the watering schedule. The most common mistake that beginners tend to make when growing bell peppers is to give them too much water.  By doing so, they often end up with weak, spindly stems. 

When this happens, the pepper cannot get enough nutrition from the soil and the plant will eventually die. When the soil dries out, it will be difficult for the pepper to grow.

To prevent this, keep your pepper plant in a spot where it receives ample sunlight. Water it every two or three days. After about three months, you should notice the stem of the pepper starting to get stronger.

At this point, you can start reducing the frequency of watering. You should water your plant with about one to two inches of water every week.  This will prevent the stem from getting too dry and allow the plant to continue growing properly.

Growing Bell Peppers in Pots – Harvesting

When the pepper is ripe, it will start to look a little bit like a small tomato. You may notice a few black spots on the pepper’s skin.

The pepper should be firm and have good color. If the pepper is too young, it will still be green and the pepper will be hard. It is best to harvest when the pepper is mature and the pepper has a good color.

Final Thoughts On Growing Peppers in Pots

Growing bell peppers in pots indoors or growing bell peppers in pots outside can be a great way to grow peppers for your use. The plants will grow fast and you won’t have to worry about watering them. You can also plant different varieties of peppers in your pots and give each one its own space.

Growing peppers in pots will help you save space in your garden. Go on and start your bell pepper potted garden.  And while at it have some mad fun!

FAQ’s

Brian

Brian believes the best days are spent outside with soil on your hands. He finds his rhythm in the details of the garden—from carefully tending to established plants to the excitement of propagating new varieties. A true outdoor enthusiast, Brian is here to swap stories, share advice, and celebrate the rewarding work of growing.