How Many Pepper Plants Can You Put in a Large Container?

Choose Your Container

• Your large container should ideally be plastic and be equal in height and diameter. Plastic holds water better than clay pots so your plant will not dry out too quickly. Drainage is of utmost importance. The container should have holes in the bottom to allow excess water to run out. You may place some fiberglass screen in the pot before adding soil to keep it from washing out with the excess water.

Planting Seeds

• When sowing seeds directly into the large container, it is recommended to add anywhere from three to six seeds in the center of the container. Cover them to the depth specified on the seed packet, usually around 1/4 inch. When the seedlings appear, thin them out by cutting off the weakest and smallest ones, leaving only two or three seedlings. Allow these to grow a little more so that you can determine which seedling will be the most vigorous. Cut off all but the strongest seedling.

Transplanting Seedlings

• Purchase transplants that are strong and healthy with flat leaves. Wavy leaves indicate a bone meal deficiency. Place a single plant into a large container that is at least 3/4 full of a sterile potting mix. The container should be no less than 12 inches in diameter. Feed with a diluted fertilizer mix or some bone meal for best results.

Growing Peppers

• Pepper plants are somewhat particular about their growing conditions. Limit yourself to one plant per container for best results. Seeds germinate when the soil is 80 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit, and they require water and sufficient light in the form of either grow lights or a bright window that provides a minimum of eight hours of sunlight a day. They cannot be placed outdoors until overnight temperatures are consistently 50 degrees Fahrenheit or warmer. In hot climates, peppers prefer shade. If kept warm enough in a hot house or indoors, peppers are perennial plants and will produce year after year.