Growing hot peppers in containers offer an alternative to planting in the garden. Most hot peppers are perennials grown in tropical climates but can be grown all year long in containers. There are added requirements using containers, but benefits can outweigh these issues.
More and more people are growing plants in containers. It is perfect for gardeners living in apartments, for those who have small yards and for those who live in cool regions where the number of growing days are limited. Container grown plants can also create interest on a patio.
Growing plants in containers have other advantages over planting in the ground:
- Avoids problems with soil borne diseases, nematodes or poor soil.
- Capture optimal light by moving the container.
- Plants can be moved to sheltered areas during harsh weather conditions or indoors to protect them from freezing weather.
- Pepper enthusiasts grow peppers in pots so they can have fresh peppers all year long.
- Containers need more attention to their water needs. They cannot send their roots deeper into the soil, so don't let them dry out. Water stress causes blossoms to drop and growing to stop. On the other hand, more plants die from over-watering than any other reason in container gardening. Using drip irrigation systems and watering 5 to 10 minutes everyday should provide a solution here.
- Hot peppers planted in containers need more fertilizer than if planted in the garden.
Container plantings can be started indoors from seed and moved outside using the same time frame as when you plant in the ground. It is best to use 5 gallon containers so the peppers do not get root-bound. So select your favorite hot pepper and let's get started.
Wayne Blonn, Smith County Master Gardener
Texas AgriLife Extension Service
Vegetables & Herbs Index
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