Tips For Growing Bell Peppers in Containers

Growing bell peppers in containers is an easy way to enjoy this delicious vegetable year-round. But there are a few things you should know to ensure your potted plants thrive!

Peppers need to be watered consistently throughout the growing season. Adding mulch to the soil helps reduce evaporation and keep your plants healthier.

Watering

When you plant peppers in containers, it’s important to water them regularly. This will help ensure that the potting medium remains steadily moist, and will also encourage them to produce more fruit.

Bell pepper plants will need one to two inches of water per week, depending on the weather and the soil’s moisture level. It’s better to avoid overwatering, as this can suffocate the roots and rot the vegetables.

A good way to avoid overwatering is by using a drip system or soaker hose that directs the water directly to the roots of your pepper plants. This will reduce evaporation and the need to water often, making it easier to maintain a steady watering schedule.

Light

If you want to grow peppers, but don’t have a lot of space in your yard or garden, container gardening is the way to go. Peppers can be grown in a pot or even on a balcony or deck and with proper care, they can be as productive as those growing in the ground!

In general, peppers need a warm and sunny location. They prefer temperatures between 70 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit, although some plants will tolerate slightly cooler conditions if the nighttime temperature stays above 50 degrees F.

When the plants are small, water them regularly to help keep their soil moist and encourage healthy growth. When they’re ready to blossom or begin fruit production, increase watering to one inch per week or more.

Fertilization

Bell peppers need a steady supply of nutrients for healthy growth and fruit production. Fertilizers with a balanced amount of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium work best for peppers.

Using organic fertilizers is preferable. They help your peppers absorb more of the nutrients they need and are easier to use than traditional commercial fertilizers.

Start by digging in a 2-inch layer of good garden compost into the soil to improve moisture retention. Then do a soil test to determine your plant’s needs and work in an appropriate fertilizer, such as Jobe’s Organics 9026. It contains a proprietary Mycorrhizal fungus that aids root development.

Pruning

Growing peppers in containers is an ideal solution if you’re short on space or want to maximize the yield of your crop. The plants take up less room and are easy to move once the cooler weather sets in.

Prune your bell peppers at the right time to help them thrive and produce a high yield of delicious fruits. This practice helps minimize pests, diseases, and fungal infections that can cause damage to the plant and the fruit.

To prune a pepper plant, remove any growth that is threatening the plant’s natural Y-shaped branching pattern and is putting energy into unnecessary side shoots instead of producing fruit. For large-fruited varieties, this pruning is important because it encourages healthy root development and higher fruit yields.

Pruning also encourages the development of strong, sturdy stems and quick-ripening fruits. However, it’s important to exercise caution when pruning your peppers to avoid stressing the plant or underperforming it.

Harvesting

Bell peppers are easy to grow in containers. They take up less space and are ideal for short growing seasons or people who need to move their garden when the weather changes.

Depending on your preferences, you can choose from both sweet and hot varieties of peppers. Some are best for eating raw and others are more flavorful when cooked.

After you harvest, rinse the peppers well and dry them thoroughly to avoid mold growth. Then, pack them tightly in one-pint mason jars with a two-part lid.

During the summer months, most North Carolina pepper growers ship large volumes of peppers to markets throughout the country. In addition to their high water content, peppers are highly sensitive to sun scald and heat damage.