If you are growing your pepper plants in pots, you should give the plants enough room to grow to their full potential. Pepper plants require adequate space to mature and produce lots of fruits. The best container size for pepper plants will vary based on which variety you are growing.
In general, the larger the pepper variety, the larger the pot should be. For example, a bell pepper plant requires more space to grow and mature than a cayenne pepper plant.
In this article, I’ll help you pick the right sized container for pepper plants. I’ll also share some of our favorite types of planters that you can find online.
In this article:
- What size pot for pepper plants?
- Best pots to buy for pepper plants
Container Size For Pepper Plants (Video)
What size pot is best for pepper plants?
While the perfect planter does not exist for all peppers, there is an ideal size range to look for. Generally, pepper plants need a minimum of 3-5 gallons of growing medium to produce a healthy yield. However, this varies based on the type of pepper.
For smaller pepper varieties, like cayenne peppers or Thai chilies, your pots should be at least 3 gallons. For larger varieties like bell peppers and banana peppers, aim for a pot with 5 gallons or more.
Some pepper varieties, like ghost peppers and other Capsicum chinense varieties, can make use of 10-15 gallons of soil (or more!). However, this large container size may be inconvenient for some growers.
3+ gallons/11 liters (small peppers):
- Serrano
- Thai chilies
- Cayenne
- Fresno
- Aji charapita
- Dwarf varieties (like medusa)
- Other small pepper varieties
5-10 gallons/19-38 liters (large sized peppers):
- Bell
- Jalapeño
- Poblano
- Banana
- Any other large pepper variety
10+ gallons (38+ liters):
- Ghost
- Carolina reaper
- Hatch chile
- Most C. baccatum varieties
Keep in mind these are meant to be minimum container sizes for happy, healthy pepper plants. If you want to achieve larger harvests, grow in larger containers to allow your pepper plants to mature to their maximum size.
Also, you can grow your pepper varieties in smaller pots and still get some peppers. However, you will end up with a smaller overall plant size, and ultimately smaller yields.
The Cheapest Pots
For the frugal pepper gardener, look no further than the 5-gallon bucket. These are usually between $3-5 and can work as a pepper plant container. Just be sure to drill some holes in the bottom for water drainage.
While 5 gallon buckets are not the most aesthetically pleasing to put in your yard, they are a practical and affordable option.
Note that 5-gallon buckets are not made for growing plants, and that the plastic used may not be food-grade. Use them to grow peppers at your own discretion.
Fabric Planter Grow Bags
One unique option for gardeners are plant grow bags. They are highly effective for faster plant growth because of their breathable walls. Fabric grow bags are affordable, collapsible, and easily stored after the growing season.
While some bags are made of woven fabric, others are felt, offering better stability of temperature and a longer lasting build. One of the greatest benefits of this design is root pruning, which prevents the root system from circling the pot.
What sized grow bag for peppers?
Grow bags come in every size, but we recommend at least 5 gallons for growing peppers to avoid issues with the soil drying out. These 7-gallon bags from Bootstrap Farmer are perfect for pepper plants and come in a variety of colors.
Affordable Plastic Pepper Plant Pots
We have been using these plastic pots for years. They are made of thick, sturdy plastic and can be reused season after season. If you live in a cold climate, I suggest bringing them indoors for the winter to avoid cracking.
I would recommend going with the 10″ pots or larger, depending on which varieties of pepper you plan to grow. Our bell peppers typically produce about a dozen fruits in the 12″ containers.
These pots also come in many colors, perfect for color coding your plants, or simply making your garden more quirky and fun.
Modern Planter Pots
If you want a modern look to your outdoor garden, you may find what you’re looking for on AllModern.com. You can also shop for attractive planters at department stores, gardening centers, Etsy, thrift stores, and yard sales in the spring.
Though these pots may be aesthetically pleasing, many of them do not come with drainage holes. For peppers, it is important not to over-water, so be sure your pot of choice has drainage before planting.
You can easily drill your own drainage holes, so this shouldn’t be a deal breaker. Or, plant in black nursery pots, and place them into a decorative planter.
For fancy, upscale planters, we recommend using a cheap nursery pot placed into your planter box, out of sight. Just check that the nursery pot will fit comfortably in your planter beforehand.
Related:
- Pepper plant spacing
- How to make peppers grow faster
- Fertilizer for pepper plants
- Harvesting peppers
I hope this article helps you find the perfect sized container for your pepper plants. Good luck with growing your peppers in pots this year!
Calvin
One of the original Pepper Geeks! When Calvin isn’t gardening or learning more about peppers and botany, he might be traveling new places or playing some music.
Douglas Mc Donald
Tuesday 16th of April 2024
How many drain holes for drainage in a 5 gallon bucket , and what diameter of hole
peppergeek
Wednesday 17th of April 2024
I'd say maybe 4 or 5 holes, they can be around 1/2" or so in diameter.
Kyla
Monday 15th of April 2024
Hi Calvin! What size pot would you recommend for the tiny Biquinho peppers? Or would these peppers do better in the ground? I am new to this type of pepper but intrigued by their size and would to give them a whirl, just need to decide if I should put them in a pot, my raised bed or in the ground.
peppergeek
Wednesday 17th of April 2024
They did very well in-ground for us a few years back, they grew to about 3' tall, and very bushy and wide. If you want to keep them smaller, maybe around 3 gallons, but if you want to get the most out of them I'd go with 5-7 gallons.
Sophie
Friday 1st of March 2024
Hi Calvin! What size pot is best for Sugar Rush Peach Pepper? Thank you
peppergeek
Friday 1st of March 2024
Hi Sophie, I'd suggest around 5-7 gallons for a full-sized plant. They take a long time to ripen, so be sure to start on time and up-pot when they outgrow the smaller containers!
Lisa
Friday 1st of March 2024
Good morning! How many cayenne pepper plants could I fit in a 20" whiskey barrel type container? I need to maximize space and hope you can help :)
peppergeek
Saturday 2nd of March 2024
I'd probably go with 3 plants in a triangle. Cayennes can get fairly large if they have enough room to stretch out, so 3 should fit in a nice wide container.
Scott
Sunday 21st of May 2023
How do you feel about self watering pots for chili peppers?
peppergeek
Monday 22nd of May 2023
I just made one this year for our dorset naga challenge, should be interesting to watch it grow.