This is the Year of the Pepper

If you’re going to grow something fresh this season—make it a pepper.

Hot, sweet, smoky, crunchy—peppers are having their culinary moment. From home gardens to high-end kitchens, peppers are the star ingredient everyone’s reaching for.

Whether you’re into the fire of a jalapeño, the sweetness of a mini bell, the novelty of a colapeno, or the rich smokiness of poblanos, there’s a pepper for every palate—and every container garden.

So, if you’ve been waiting for a sign to grow your own… this is it.

Why Peppers Are Perfect for Container Gardening

Peppers love the heat, thrive in grow bags, and bring both beauty and flavor to patios, balconies, and rooftops. They’re easy to grow, fun to harvest, and endlessly versatile in the kitchen.

Container gardens allow for:
– Better control of soil, specific plant nutrient needs, and moisture
– Easier access to sunlight (move them with the sun!)
– A perfect match for city dwellers and small-space growers

5 Best Peppers to Grow in Containers This Year

Sweet Mini Bell Peppers

*Colorful, crunchy, and kid-friendly.*
Easy to grow, beautiful, and a sweet snack right off the vine. Pair with hummus, cream cheese, or a quick veggie stir-fry.

Jalapeño Peppers

*Spicy, reliable, and packed with punch.*
Fast growers with bold flavor and great productivity. Try this recipe: Jalapeño Popper Dip by Gimme Some Oven

Shishito Peppers

*Mild with a one-in-ten spicy surprise.*
They produce abundantly in containers and cook in minutes. Try this recipe: Blistered Shishito Peppers by Love & Lemons

Poblano Peppers

*Earthy, smoky, and ideal for stuffing.*
Their flavor deepens when roasted, and the plant is a patio beauty. Try this recipe: Stuffed Poblano Peppers by Isabel Eats

Banana Peppers

*Mild, tangy, and pickling-friendly.*
They’re quick to mature, heat-tolerant, and super productive. Try this recipe: Pickled Banana Peppers by A Couple Cooks

How to Plant + Harvest Peppers in Containers

Use a 5-7 gallon container, pepper roots need room to grow and breath

Choose a spot with at least 6-8 hours of full sun

Keep soil evenly moist and well-drained

Keep your living soil alive and thriving, living soil will feel your plants

Plant Deeply. Bury the pepper plant up to the first set of true leaves to encourage strong roots.

Stake your pepper plant right away. Add a small stake at the time of planting to support growth as the plant matures.

Watch the weather. Peppers love the heat but not the cold – if the temperatures drip below 55 degrees, move your garden inside.

Grow Pro Tip: Selectively trim the leaves below your developing peppers to improve airflow, and to help the plant focus on fruit development rather than unnecessary foliage.  Remember never remove more than 20% of the foliage at one time for photosynthesis.

Harvesting Tips:

Pick when firm and brightly colored

Use clean scissors or garden snips to avoid damaging the plant

For hotter peppers, let them ripen longer on the vine

Top Pepper Companion Plants for Containers

1. Basil

✅ Repels aphids, spider mites, and thrips
✅ Enhances pepper flavor
✅ Compact and grows well in shared containers

2. Marigolds

✅ Natural pest repellent (especially nematodes & whiteflies)
✅ Adds vibrant color to your garden
✅ Deters unwanted insects without chemicals

3. Chives

✅ Helps deter aphids
✅ Easy to tuck into smaller pots with peppers
✅ Great culinary value + attracts pollinators when flowering

4. Nasturtiums

✅ Acts as a “trap crop” for aphids and beetles
✅ Edible flowers + peppery leaves
✅ Trailing nature makes them great for spilling over grow bag edges

5. Oregano

✅ Low-maintenance, pest-deterrent ground cover
✅ Thrives in the same warm, dry conditions as peppers
✅ Enhances the aromatic environment to confuse pests

From Patio to Plate

Growing peppers isn’t just about the plant—it’s about the meals, the memories, and the sense of pride you feel when your dish starts in your own garden.

They bring color to your plate, flavor to your recipes, and a little fire to your life.

Here are a few of the recipes the Gardenuity team has tested and loved:

Chef-Inspired Pepper Recipes to Feature

1. Chef John’s Classic Stuffed Peppers

A hearty blend of ground beef, Italian sausage, rice, and marinara sauce, topped with Parmigiano-Reggiano. This recipe is a fan favorite for its comforting flavors and straightforward preparation.
? Chef John’s Stuffed Peppers RecipeAllrecipes

2. Ree Drummond’s (The Pioneer Woman) Stuffed Bell Peppers

Combining beef, zucchini, onion, tomatoes, and rice, these peppers are topped with pepper jack cheese for a spicy kick. A comforting dish that’s both hearty and flavorful.
? Stuffed Bell Peppers – The Pioneer WomanThe Pioneer Woman

3. Giada De Laurentiis’ Mediterranean Stuffed Peppers

A lighter take featuring ground turkey, herbs, and a touch of mint, offering a fresh twist on the classic stuffed pepper.
? Giada’s Stuffed Peppers Recipe

4. Love & Lemons’ Roasted Red Peppers

A simple guide to roasting red peppers, enhancing their sweetness and smokiness—perfect for salads, sandwiches, or as a standalone side.
? Roasted Red Peppers RecipeLove and Lemons

5. Kayla Cappiello’s 20 Easy Bell Pepper Recipes

A collection of quick and versatile bell pepper recipes, ideal for weeknight dinners and meal prep. From stuffed peppers to stir-fries, there’s something for everyone.
? 20 Easy Bell Pepper Recipes

This is Your Year to Grow Bold

Whether you’re team sweet, smoky, or spicy, there’s a pepper plant perfect for your patio. With a little sunlight, a container, and a commitment to flavor—you’re ready.

– Explore our Patio Pepper Garden Kits
– Grow What Matters This Season