Container Gardening: Unlocking The Secrets To Growing Hot Peppers In Pots

Growing hot peppers in pots is a fun and easy way to enjoy your own homegrown produce. It's as simple as selecting the right containers, choosing the right plants, and finding a sunny spot. With some fertiliser and consistent watering, you'll be picking your own hot peppers in no time.

Hot peppers come in a wide range of colours, shapes, sizes, and heat levels, so you can choose the variety that best suits your tastes and gardening preferences. Whether you're a fan of the mild jalapeño or the super spicy habanero, growing hot peppers in pots is an enjoyable and rewarding experience for gardeners of all levels.

Choosing the right pot

Size:

Start by selecting a large container, as peppers need ample space for their roots to spread. Aim for a pot that is at least 12 inches in diameter. While a young pepper plant may initially look small in such a large pot, it will eventually fill it out as it grows to its full size. For certain varieties, such as Jalapeño peppers, a 3-gallon (10-inch) container is recommended. For larger varieties like the Carolina Reaper, a 5-gallon container is ideal.

Drainage:

Ensure that your chosen pot has multiple drainage holes at the bottom. Proper drainage is essential to prevent the roots from staying soggy, as peppers dislike wet feet. If your pot doesn't have holes, you can drill your own to improve drainage.

Material:

When it comes to material, opt for plastic or metal containers over terracotta. Terracotta pots tend to dry out the soil faster, and peppers require consistently moist (but not wet) soil.

Soil:

Use a high-quality, well-draining potting mix specifically designed for containers. Look for organic mixes that already contain nutrients. You can also add calcium granules to combat blossom end rot, a condition where the ends of the peppers turn black due to calcium deficiency.

Location:

Place your potted peppers in a sunny, warm spot, as they thrive in temperatures between 70°F and 80°F during the day and 60°F to 70°F at night. Ensure they receive at least six hours of full sun per day. If temperatures exceed 85°F, consider moving your containers to a partially shaded area to prevent the plants from losing blossoms and stopping fruit production.

With these tips in mind, you'll be well on your way to choosing the right pot for growing hot peppers successfully.

Selecting the right soil

Choosing the Right Soil Mix

When selecting a soil mix for your hot peppers, look for a well-draining potting mix specifically designed for containers. This mix should include organic matter and provide proper aeration and nutrition to your plants. Avoid using garden soil or top soil as they can easily become compacted in pots, leading to root issues.

Soil Ingredients

The ideal soil mix for hot peppers should include a combination of ingredients that promote drainage, airflow, and nutrition. Some recommended ingredients are:

• Sphagnum peat moss (peat): Peat moss helps with water retention and improves the soil structure. However, be cautious as too much peat can increase soil acidity, affecting pepper growth.
• Sand (builder's sand): Sand improves drainage and airflow to the roots.
• Organic ingredients: Look for mixes containing organic ingredients such as worm castings, compost, or coconut coir. These ingredients provide essential nutrients for your pepper plants.

Soil pH

Maintain an ideal soil pH level between 6.0 to 6.8. This neutral range helps pepper plants effectively absorb nutrients. Most potting soils are adjusted to meet this neutral pH level.

Seed-Starting Soil

If you're starting with pepper seeds, choose an organic seed-starting mix. This mix will provide your seeds with the necessary nutrients to grow into strong seedlings.

Transplanting Soil

When transplanting pepper plants to new pots, select an organic potting soil that is light and fluffy. Look for mixes with large chunks of bark, which provide adequate oxygen to the root zone and help prevent over-watering.

Soil Texture

The soil mix should feel light and airy. Avoid mixes with large chunks of materials like wood chips as they can hinder airflow, which is crucial for pepper plants.

Soil Age

Use fresh soil mixes. Older mixes may not be as effective in providing the necessary nutrients to your growing pepper plants.

Soil Pests

Before using the soil, inspect it for insects. Mature bugs can eat the nutrients and damage your young plants. Additionally, they may have laid eggs in the soil, which can later hatch and become a nuisance to your seedlings.

Soil Brand

While there is no specific "best" brand, FoxFarm Ocean Forest Potting Soil is a popular choice among pepper growers and delivers good results. However, you can also create your own DIY potting soil mix by combining garden soil, perlite, coconut coir, compost, and lime to balance the pH.

Picking the right pepper plant

Climate and Temperature Preferences

Hot peppers generally prefer warm and sunny conditions. Some varieties, like habaneros, thrive in hot temperatures, while others, like the Carolina Reaper, are more sensitive to extreme heat and may stop producing fruit if temperatures rise above 85°F. If you live in an area with hot summers, consider choosing a variety that can handle the heat, or be prepared to move your pots to a shadier location during the hottest days.

Container Size and Spacing

Peppers need room for their roots to spread, so choose a pot that is at least 12 inches in diameter and preferably larger, especially for varieties that grow into bigger plants. For smaller varieties like jalapenos, a 3-gallon (10-inch) container is sufficient. If you're planting multiple peppers in a single pot, ensure they have adequate spacing, usually 12 to 18 inches apart, to prevent overcrowding.

Soil Type and Drainage

Hot peppers prefer well-drained soil, so choose a pot with plenty of drainage holes to prevent the roots from becoming waterlogged. Use a high-quality potting mix specifically designed for containers, as it drains better than regular garden soil. Avoid overwatering, and let the soil dry out slightly between waterings.

Sun Exposure

Peppers need plenty of sunlight, requiring a minimum of six hours of full sun per day. Place your pots in the sunniest location possible, such as a sunny front porch or driveway. Avoid shaded areas, covered patios, or growing peppers indoors with a grow light, as this will impact their growth and fruit production.

Variety and Spiciness

When choosing a pepper variety, consider the level of spiciness you prefer. The heat of peppers is measured in Scoville Heat Units (SHU), ranging from mild bell peppers (0 SHU) to super-hot peppers like the Carolina Reaper (over 1 million SHU). Jalapenos, for example, range from 1,000 to 10,000 SHU, while habaneros can reach up to 350,000 SHU. If you're unsure, it's better to start with a milder variety and work your way up.

Seedlings vs. Seeds

To maximize the growing season, it's recommended to start with seedlings rather than seeds. However, if you want a wider variety of peppers to choose from, you can start from seed, as online sellers offer numerous pepper varieties in seed packets. Just remember that seeds require more planning and care, and germination rates can be finicky.

With these factors in mind, you can select the right pepper plant for your needs and successfully grow hot peppers in pots.

Finding the best location

Your chosen spot should receive a minimum of six hours of full sun per day, but more is preferable. A shaded backyard or covered patio will not provide enough sunlight. If you don't have a sunny front porch or driveway, you can also try a balcony.

Watering and feeding

Watering

• Hot peppers prefer moist but not soggy soil. Water your plants daily, especially during the summer months.
• Before watering, check the soil by touching it with your finger. If the top inch of soil is dry, it's time to water.
• Water early in the morning to avoid excessive evaporation during the day or prolonged leaf wetness at night, which can promote bacterial and fungal growth.
• Aim the water at the base of the plant, avoiding the leaves, and use a gentle spray setting if using a hose.
• Avoid overwatering, as hot peppers are susceptible to root rot and other issues if kept too wet. Allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings.

Feeding

• Hot peppers are light feeders but will benefit from regular feeding with a well-balanced, organic fertiliser or compost tea.
• Feed with a natural, organic plant food designed for fruits and vegetables, following the instructions on the product label (usually every 7-14 days).
• Feeding is particularly important while the plants are flowering to promote healthy growth and fruit production.
• Avoid high-nitrogen fertilisers, as these can promote foliage growth at the expense of fruit production.
• For container-grown hot peppers, use a fertiliser like fish emulsion or a 5-10-5 blend once the plants have started blooming.

Frequently asked questions