by Bell peppers are a popular vegetable, but they can be expensive to buy at the store.
Not only are bell peppers a tasty and nutritious vegetable, but they’re also incredibly easy to grow in your own home garden.
By growing bell peppers in pots on your patio or deck, you can save money while enjoying fresh vegetables all summer long.
Growing bell peppers from seed
To get started, you’ll need to purchase a bell pepper seed kit. These kits are available at most garden centers and include everything you’ll need to start growing bell peppers.
Once you have your kit, follow the instructions included to sow the seeds. Be sure to plant the seeds in a sunny spot with well-drained soil.
Once your seedlings have grown a few inches and become established, you can begin caring for them as you would any other bell pepper plant.
Steps to grow peppers from seed
1. Sow the seeds in a sunny spot with well-drained soil.
2. Once your seedlings have grown a few inches, start caring for them as you would any other bell pepper plant.
3. With regular watering, proper fertilization, and adequate sunlight, your bell peppers should grow and thrive.
4. If you notice any issues with your plants, such as pests or disease, be sure to address them promptly in order to keep your bell peppers healthy and growing.
Overall, growing bell peppers in pots is an easy and rewarding way to enjoy fresh vegetables all summer long.
Bell pepper germination time
Bell pepper germination time can vary, but typically takes around 10 days (1). To ensure successful germination, be sure to keep the soil moist and provide plenty of ventilation.
The ideal growing temperature for bell peppers is around 21-32 degrees Celsius.
Once the bell pepper seeds have germinated, it is time to transplant them into individual pots. Be sure to choose a pot that is at least 10 inches wide and has drainage holes in the bottom.
For best results, choose a light and well-draining growing medium, such as soil or a growing mix designed specifically for bell peppers.
Bell pepper sprouts
Bell pepper sprouts form from the stem of the bell pepper plant. The stem will grow a small, round bump that will eventually turn into a pepper sprout. Once the sprout forms, it will grow until it reaches the size of mature bell peppers.
Bell pepper sprouts will usually stay around for 2-3 weeks, but can last up to 4 weeks. After the sprout forms, it will gradually turn green and eventually red.
The bell pepper plant will then produce small, white flowers. Once the flowers bloom, the bell pepper plant will start to produce fruit. Peppers will mature in about 60-90 days.
Bell pepper plant size
Bell pepper plants reach a height of about 24 inches. While growing bell peppers in pots can be somewhat more challenging than growing them in the ground, it is certainly possible to successfully produce healthy and productive plants.
When growing bell peppers in pots, it is important to use a pot that is large enough to accommodate the root system of the plant. A pot that is too small will restrict the growth of the plant and result in smaller peppers.
It is also important to use a pot with drainage holes to ensure that the roots of the plant do not become waterlogged.
Bell pepper growing season
Bell peppers are a warm weather crop, and can be planted outdoors when the soil temperature reaches at least 65 degrees Fahrenheit.
For those living in cooler climates, growing bell peppers in pots is a great option.
Peppers planted in containers will need to be watered more often than those in the ground, and will also require regular feeding with a high-quality fertilizer.
Container size for bell peppers
Bell peppers can be grown in pots of various sizes, depending on the amount of space you have available.
A pot at least 10 inches wide is ideal, as this provides enough growing space for the plant to develop a strong root system and produce plenty of fruit.
To get your bell pepper plant off to a good start, begin by selecting a well-draining growing medium and preparing your pot. Next, plant your pepper seedlings at the correct depth and water them well.
Bell pepper plant care
1. Well drainage
When growing bell peppers in pots, it is important to make sure the pot has a drainage hole at the bottom so excess water can escape and the roots do not become waterlogged.
2. Pot size
Choose a pot that is at least 12 inches wide and 12 inches deep. This will give the roots enough room to grow and the plant will be less likely to become rootbound.
When growing bell peppers in pots, it is important to use a pot that is large enough to accommodate the root system of the plant.
A pot that is too small will restrict the growth of the plant and result in smaller peppers.
3. Fertilizer
Feed your bell pepper plants with a balanced fertilizer every two weeks. This will help them to grow strong and produce plenty of peppers.
4. Watering
Water your bell pepper plants regularly, making sure that the soil never dries out completely. In hot, dry weather, you may need to water twice a day.
5. Pests and diseases
Keep an eye out for pests and diseases that can affect bell pepper plants. Common problems include aphids, whiteflies, and powdery mildew. If you spot any problems, treat them immediately so they don’t spread to other plants.
Bell pepper harvest time
The bell pepper harvest time can vary depending on the growing conditions and the variety of bell pepper. Typically, bell peppers are ready to be harvested 60 to 90 days after planting (2).
To determine if your bell peppers are ready to be harvested, look for peppers that are firm and have reached their full color.
For example, red bell peppers will be bright red, while green bell peppers will be deep green. You can also gently squeeze the pepper to test for ripeness.
How to harvest bell pepper
Picking bell peppers is easy. Simply twist the fruit off the stem. If the pepper is still green, it will probably be a little firm and crunchy. If it has started to turn red or yellow, it will be sweeter and softer.
If you want to pick bell peppers before they’re ripe, cut the stem off with a sharp knife. This allows you to easily remove the fruit without damaging the plant.
How to store bell pepper
Bell peppers can be stored in the fridge for up to two weeks. To store them, cut off the stem, then place them in a plastic bag or container with a lid.
Make sure to remove any excess air from the bag before sealing it. You can also store bell peppers in a perforated plastic bag in the crisper drawer of your fridge. Peppers can also be frozen whole or sliced.
To freeze them, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and put them in the freezer for several hours until they are fully frozen. Then, transfer the peppers to an airtight freezer bag or container and store them in the freezer for up to six months.
Bell pepper companion plants
Companion plants are plants that are planted near other plants with the intention of promoting the health and growth of those plants.
Some companion plants help to repel pests, while others improve the soil quality or provide nutrients that the plants need.
When growing bell peppers in pots, there are a few companion plants that can be especially beneficial.
1. Basil
One of the most important companion plants for growing bell peppers is basil. Basil is a natural insect repellent, and can help to keep pests away from your bell pepper plants.
2. Marigolds
Marigolds are also excellent companion plants for growing bell peppers. Marigolds produce a chemical that is harmful to many common garden pests, and can help to keep them away from your bell peppers.
3. Sage
Sage is another great companion plant that can help to improve the overall health and vigor of your bell pepper plants. Sage is known to help improve the flavor of bell peppers, and can also help to keep away pests and diseases.
4. Parsley
Parsley is another great companion plant for growing bell peppers. It has a strong scent that can help to keep away pests and can also help to improve the flavor of bell peppers.
5. Nasturtiums
Nasturtiums are a beautiful and hardy companion plant that can help to improve the growth and health of bell pepper plants. Nasturtiums are also known to attract beneficial insects to your garden, which can help to keep pests away from your bell peppers.
By choosing these companion plants for growing bell peppers in pots, you can help to ensure that your plants are healthy and productive. These companion plants will help to improve the soil quality, keep away pests, and provide the nutrients that your bell peppers need to thrive. So why wait? Start growing bell peppers in pots today!
Pest & disease
Bell peppers are generally quite easy to grow, but they can be susceptible to pests and diseases.
1. Aphids
One common issue is aphids, which can cause the leaves of bell pepper plants to turn yellow and drop off.
To prevent aphid infestations, be sure to regularly inspect your plants and remove any aphids you see. You can also try spraying the plants with water to deter the aphids.
2. Powdery mildew
Another common problem with bell peppers is fungal diseases like powdery mildew, which can cause the leaves and fruits of your plants to develop white patches. T
o prevent this disease, be sure to provide plenty of space and good air circulation between your bell pepper plants.
Additionally, you may want to consider using fungicidal sprays or soaps to help control any fungal growth.
With proper care and attention, growing bell peppers in pots can be a rewarding and successful experience. By following the tips above, you can help ensure that your bell pepper plants stay healthy and productive throughout the growing season.
Final Thoughts
Pepper plants are perfect for growing in containers on a patio, balcony, or deck. By following these simple tips, you can enjoy homegrown bell peppers all season long. Have you tried growing bell peppers in pots?
