The Spicy Space Saver: Mastering Hot Pepper Planting In Pots

Growing hot peppers in pots is a fun and easy way to enjoy homegrown produce, even if you're short on space. With the right conditions, you can successfully cultivate a variety of hot peppers, from mild to fiery hot, in containers. Here's an introduction to get you started on your pepper-growing journey.

When it comes to choosing a pot, opt for one that is at least 12 inches in diameter and has several drainage holes to prevent waterlogging. Consider the size of the pepper plant, as larger varieties like Carolina Reaper can grow up to 5 feet tall and 4 feet wide, requiring a larger container. The type of pot you select is also important; plastic, terracotta, glazed clay, or metal pots are all suitable options. Additionally, ensure you use well-draining potting soil with added organic matter like compost to provide the slightly acidic conditions that peppers prefer.

Peppers thrive in warm temperatures, ideally between 70°F and 80°F during the day and 60°F to 70°F at night. They require at least six hours of direct sunlight daily, so placing them in a sunny location is crucial. Watering should be consistent, keeping the soil moist but not soggy, and fertilizing with an organic fertilizer will boost their growth.

With the right care, you'll soon be harvesting your own hot peppers to spice up your meals. Remember to wear gloves when handling super-hot varieties, and enjoy the fruits of your labor!

Choosing the right pot

Size of the Pot

The size of the pot depends on the variety of hot pepper you plan to grow. Generally, the larger the pepper variety, the bigger the pot should be. For smaller pepper varieties, such as cayenne peppers or Thai chillies, a minimum of 3 gallons (11 litres) is recommended. Aim for a larger pot, around 5 gallons or more, for bigger varieties like bell peppers and banana peppers. Some peppers, like ghost peppers, can utilise up to 10–15 gallons of soil. However, such large containers may be impractical for some gardeners.

Drainage

Ensure your chosen pot has adequate drainage holes to prevent waterlogging. Peppers prefer moist soil but do not thrive in waterlogged conditions. If your pot doesn't have enough drainage holes, you can always drill some yourself.

Material

Plastic or metal pots are preferable to terracotta. This is because terracotta pots tend to dry out faster, and peppers require consistently moist soil. Black or dark-coloured plastic pots are a good choice as they absorb and retain solar heat.

Portability

Choose a pot that is easy to move. This will allow you to adjust the location of your hot peppers according to the weather. For example, on extremely hot days, you may want to move your peppers to a partially shaded area to prevent them from losing blossoms and stopping fruit production.

Soil and Fertiliser

Use a good-quality, light, and well-draining potting soil. Peppers prefer slightly acidic soil, so consider adding some organic matter like compost to the mix. Avoid using regular garden soil as it tends to compact easily. You can also add a layer of gravel at the bottom of the pot to enhance drainage and prevent root rot.

Peppers are heavy feeders, so fertilisation is important. Use a fertiliser specifically designed for peppers or tomatoes. Fish emulsion or a 5-10-5 fertiliser are good choices. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilisers as these promote foliage growth at the expense of fruit production.

Spacing

Allow for adequate spacing between multiple pepper plants. A single pepper plant should have at least 12 inches (30 cm) of space around it. For larger containers, set pepper plants at least 18 inches apart.

Selecting the right pepper variety

Size of the Variety

The size of the pepper variety will determine the size of the pot required. Larger pepper varieties, such as bell peppers and banana peppers, need bigger pots, ideally with 5 gallons or more of growing medium. Smaller pepper varieties, like cayenne peppers or Thai chillies, can be grown in smaller pots, with a minimum of 3 gallons.

Growth Habit

Compact varieties that are well-suited for containers should be selected. Look for pepper plants that have a bushy or compact growth habit. Avoid tall and leggy plants, as they may not be stable in pots and might require additional support.

Climate and Temperature Preferences

Hot peppers, in general, prefer warm and sunny conditions. However, some varieties are more heat-tolerant than others. For example, the Carolina Reaper can tolerate temperatures up to 85°F, while other varieties might struggle in such high temperatures. Choose a variety that aligns with the climate in your region.

Heat Preference

Peppers come in a wide range of heat levels, from mild to super-hot. Select a variety that suits your taste preferences and intended use. If you're looking for a mild sweet pepper, consider varieties like 'California Wonder' or 'Hungarian Sweet Banana'. For those who prefer more heat, varieties like 'Habañero', 'Jalapeño', or 'Thai Dragon' might be ideal.

Growing Season and Maturity

Consider the growing season and maturity time of different pepper varieties. Some peppers take longer to mature than others. If you have a shorter growing season, choose early-maturing varieties or those with a shorter growing season. Starting with seedlings instead of seeds can also help maximize the growing season.

Container Adaptability

Some pepper varieties are specifically known for their adaptability to containers. For example, Jalapeño peppers have several sub-varieties that perform well in pots. Bolivian Rainbow Peppers, with their rainbow-colored hot peppers, are often grown in containers or on front porches. Selecting varieties that are known to thrive in containers can increase your chances of success.

When selecting the right pepper variety, it's important to consider factors such as the size of the plant, its growth habit, climate preferences, heat levels, growing season, and adaptability to containers. By choosing the right variety, you can ensure your pepper plants thrive and produce an abundant yield.

Preparing the soil

Selecting the Right Soil

Choose a premium potting mix or organic potting soil that is specifically designed for containers. Look for a natural or organic mix that is light and fluffy, with good drainage. The soil should be able to retain moisture while also providing adequate oxygen to the root zone. Peat moss or coco coir-based soils are good options, as they increase the soil's ability to retain nutrients and moisture. Additionally, consider adding mycorrhizal fungi to the soil, as it enhances root growth, plant health, and disease resistance.

Container Size and Drainage

Hot peppers need room for their roots to spread, so select a pot that is at least 12 inches in diameter. For larger varieties of hot peppers, aim for a pot with a capacity of 5 gallons or more. Ensure that your chosen container has holes in the bottom for adequate drainage. You can also drill your own holes if the pot doesn't have any. This is crucial to prevent the roots from staying soggy, as hot peppers prefer well-drained soil.

Soil Amendments and Fertilizer

Before planting your hot peppers, mix in some compost or other organic matter into the soil. This will help improve the soil structure and provide additional nutrients for your plants. Additionally, consider adding a continuous-release fertilizer to the soil, such as bone meal or an organic fertilizer with a low nitrogen content. This will help promote healthy root growth and overall plant health.

Soil pH

Peppers grow best in slightly acidic soil, with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. If you're unsure about the pH of your soil, consider getting a soil test kit to determine the exact pH level. You can then adjust the pH accordingly, either by adding amendments to make it more acidic or by adding limestone to make it more alkaline.

Watering

Hot peppers require consistently moist soil, so be sure to water them regularly. Check the soil before watering, and only water if the top inch of the soil feels dry. Water early in the morning, and aim for the base of the plant rather than the leaves. Avoid overwatering, as this can lead to waterlogged soil and increase the risk of bacterial and fungal growth.

Watering and fertilising

Watering

• Hot peppers require consistent watering to maintain moist (not wet) soil. Container-bound plants generally need more frequent watering than those in the ground, so plan on watering daily, especially during hot summer months.
• Before watering, check the soil; if the top inch is dry, it's time to water. If it's not dry, refrain from watering to avoid overwatering.
• Water early in the morning to avoid rapid evaporation during the day or water retention at night, which can cause bacteria and fungi to develop.
• Aim for the base of the plant when watering, avoiding the leaves.
• Consider using a watering can or a hose with a gentle spray nozzle.
• If you find yourself watering very frequently, add mulch or straw to the pot to reduce evaporation.

Fertilising

• Peppers benefit from regular feeding with a well-balanced, organic fertiliser. Fish emulsion or a 5-10-5 fertiliser is suitable. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilisers, as these can result in bushy plants without blooms.
• Feed with a natural, organic plant food designed for fruits and vegetables, following the instructions on the product label (usually every seven to 14 days).
• Fertilising is especially important while the plants are flowering to ensure healthy growth and fruit production.
• Peppers require a lot of nutrients, so use a fertiliser specifically formulated for peppers or tomatoes.
• Calcium granules can be added to the soil to combat blossom end rot, a condition where the ends of the peppers turn black due to calcium deficiency.
• Phosphorus is essential for fruit growth, so use bone meal, bulb food, or superphosphate.
• Magnesium is crucial for fruit development, ensuring a more abundant harvest.
• Sulfur promotes plant protein and enhances the nutritional content of peppers.
• Epsom salt provides many minor nutrients that peppers need.

By following these watering and fertilising guidelines, you'll be well on your way to cultivating healthy and productive hot pepper plants.

Harvesting

When to Harvest

Hot peppers can be harvested at almost any stage of development, but if you want the hottest peppers possible, wait until they are red. Most peppers start out green and, as they mature, turn colours. Hot peppers also get hotter as they mature.

You can find out the days to maturity by looking up the type of pepper you have planted. If you have a plant tag or seed packet, the planting time should be there. If not, you can search the internet.

How to Harvest

Use a sharp knife or pruning shears to harvest peppers. Pulling peppers away from the plant can cause branches to break or tear and leave the plant vulnerable to disease. Leave a short stub of stem attached to the fruit when cutting it. Wear gloves when harvesting hot peppers to protect your skin, as they contain capsaicin oil which can burn your hands.

Storing Harvested Peppers

Peppers will continue to ripen after picking; place peppers in a cool place after harvest or they will over-ripen. Peppers will keep for one to two weeks after harvest at 50° to 60°F (10-15°C) in a moist place. Store peppers at 55°F (13°C) for up to two weeks.

Peppers will keep in the refrigerator if it is not too cold; rinse the fruit with water, pat them dry, and place them in a perforated plastic bag in the crisper section of the refrigerator. Peppers should not be stored at temperatures cooler than 45°F (7°C). Peppers stored at temperatures too cool will soften or shrivel and can develop pitting, water-soaked areas, and decay.

Harvested peppers that have begun to change colour will continue to ripen when kept at room temperature for three days. Peppers that haven’t begun to change colours but are at or near full size can be eaten green.

Frequently asked questions