Can Bell Peppers Grow Up a Trellis?

Trellis Choice

• Choosing a trellis or trellis system for bell pepper plants requires careful consideration. If the peppers are being planted in the ground or in a raised bed, consider using stakes and wire to keep the plants off the ground. If the peppers are being grown in a pot or planter, ensure that the trellis has a long stake that can be secured well in the soil. Opt for a plastic or aluminum trellis when planting peppers in a pot, as wooden trellises can be too heavy and cause the pot or planter to tip over and potentially damage the pepper plant.

Securing Young Plants

• It is a good idea to first place the trellis before planting the pepper, eliminating the possibility of accidental damage to plant roots if it is placed after the plant has become established. When pepper plants are young and have not yet reached a height of 12 to 18 inches, they typically do not need staking or trellising. Wait for them to grow above this height and tie them off loosely to the trellis, using stretchable gardening tape or strips of pantyhose.

Trellis Tie-Off Maintenace

• As the bell pepper plant grows, keep an eye on the points where it has been tied it to the trellis. If there is any indication of damage to the stem from the tape, remove the tape and retie the plant with a new, looser-fitting piece. As the stem and stalks grow, the gardening tape typically will stretch to accommodate their larger diameters.

First Peppers

• As the flowers begin to bloom and fall away, baby peppers will begin to emerge in their place. The branch that contains the pepper will need extra support to hold the weight of the pepper as it ripens. Tie this branch firmly to the trellis in several places, depending on its length. When the pepper is lifted, its branch should be tied off so that no movement at the main stem is apparent.