Grow peppers in a draining pot of at least 5 gallons, filled with soilless mix. Water when the top of the mix is dry.
Use a draining pot at least 5 gallons
| Factor | Recommended | Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Pot | At least 5 gallons, with drain holes | Do not keep one plant in a tiny nursery pot all season |
| Mix | A soilless potting mix | Do not pack garden soil in a bucket |
| Sun | Full sun on the patio | Do not park the pot on a north wall with little direct light |
| Plants | One pepper per pot | Do not crowd several plants in one small bucket |
Anaheim and Tabasco pepper both need a pot large enough for a full root system. A 5-gallon bucket, half-barrel, or similar container works for one plant. [1] [2] Drill extra drain holes if the container has none. Raise the pot on feet so water can leave. [3] Match the kind on Types of Peppers. Sun and even moisture in the ground stay on How to Grow Peppers.
What size pot do peppers need?
At least 5 gallons for one plant, with drain holes. Smaller pots dry out too fast and starve the roots.
How to grow peppers in a container
- Fill the pot with a well-draining potting mix. Do not use soil dug from the yard. [4]
- Set one transplant at the same depth as it grew in its nursery pot. Firm the mix and water until it runs from the holes.
- Place the pot in full sun. In extreme afternoon heat you can slide it into light shade so flowers do not drop.
- Feed lightly after the mix’s starter charge fades, and again when flowers open. Skip a heavy nitrogen dose that grows leaves instead of pods.
Can I use garden soil in the pot?
No. Garden soil packs and stays wet around the roots. Use a soilless potting mix.
Water when the mix dries on top
A pot dries faster than a garden bed. Check the top of the mix with a finger. When it is dry, water until it runs out the holes. In hot weather that can be every day. When pods are firm, pick them on Harvesting Peppers.
- Water at the mix, not over the leaves.
- Do not leave the pot standing in a saucer of water after a rain.
How often do I water a pepper in a pot?
When the top of the mix is dry. In heat that is often daily. Do not keep the mix soggy.
If the mix is bone-dry at noon and flowers are dropping, water deeper — do not mist the leaves.
FAQ
Can I move the pot indoors for winter?
You can try a bright, warm room before frost. Outdoor frost still ends a patio plant left outside.
Related guides
Recommended plants
References
- [1] Oregon State University Extension Service -
https://extension.oregonstate.edu/catalog/ec-1227-grow-your-own-peppers - [2] Texas A&M AgriLife Extension -
https://mytexas.ag.tamu.edu/publications/vegetable-gardening-in-containers/ - [3] University of Maryland Extension -
https://extension.umd.edu/resource/growing-peppers-home-garden - [4] Old Farmer's Almanac -
https://www.almanac.com/plant/bell-peppers
This note is part of Capsicum Guides.
More container notes by plant live in Container Growing Guides.
Updated: Reviewed by Bosquelle Editors