How to grow bell peppers in pots: pot size, sun, water and harvest

Pot and soil

At least 20 litres (5 gallons) per plant, about a 30 cm (12 in) pot. Rich mix with compost and a short stake: the fruit is heavy and branches snap.

Full sun and warmth: they thrive above 18 °C (64 °F). Plant out once nights stay above 12-14 °C (54-57 °F).

Regularly, about every 2 days in summer, at the base. Uneven watering causes blossom end rot, as in tomatoes.

Every 2 weeks with a potassium-rich feed from flowering on.

When it's ready

Large, glossy, firm peppers in the variety's colour.

How to harvest

Cut the stalk with scissors. Pick the first ones green to lighten the plant.

Flowers dropping

Too hot (above 32 °C / 90 °F), cold nights or thirst. It usually settles when the weather does.

Dark patch under the fruit

Blossom end rot from uneven watering. Water consistently and mulch.

Fruit won't change colour

It takes time and warmth: going from green to red or yellow takes 2-4 weeks.

How big a pot do bell peppers need?

At least 20 litres (5 gallons) per plant. In smaller pots they crop poorly and go thirsty.

When should I pick bell peppers?

When firm, glossy and in their final colour. You can pick them green too: edible, just less sweet.

How do I pick peppers without damaging the plant?

Snip the stalk with scissors: pulling can break the branch.