You won’t see many container gardens planted with large, bell peppers. The small pepper plants produce many more peppers much faster than the large bell pepper plants. However sometimes I like to have some large peppers, so I mixed this one with coleus that coordinated with the pot.
The Plants:
Bell pepper: One plant from a 4” pot.
‘Dark Star’ coleus: Two plants from 4” pots.
‘Rustic Orange’ coleus: Two plants from 4” pots.
Light: Full sun, at least six hours per day.
Season: Spring through fall for most warmer areas. These plants take temperatures from about 70 degrees to the low 100’s and are equally happy in either extreme.
Lifespan: In this container, five to six months.
Care: Fertilize on planting day with a slow-release mix. Repeat if the leaves look yellowish or washed-out, although the fertilizer should last six to nine months.
Trim the coleus to keep it looking tight.
Water: Water thoroughly if the plants show signs of wilt, or the soil feels dry when you push your fingertip into the potting mix. I watered this one every day (after it was about a month old) in mid-summer and every other day in cooler weather.
Troubleshooting: No problems at all.
Planting Plan: Easy. Simply plant a pepper in the center, along the back edge of the pot. Surround the pepper with coleus. Be sure to plant in good-quality potting mix, not garden soil, topsoil, or potting soil, which can kill your plants.
Container: I purchased this pot from a vendor who has since retired. To find something similar, google “Mexican pottery.”
Best Time to Pick: Peppers frequently hide underneath the leaves. Check frequently, and pick them when they are bright orange.
This is an excerpt from Pamela Crawford’s book, Easy Patio Veggies and Herbs, available through Amazon and other online booksellers.
Pamela Crawford, author of 12 gardening books, is considered one of the most accomplished container gardening experts in the country. In addition to designing gardens for over 1500 residences, her work has been featured on the cover of Better Homes and Gardens publications as well as in Southern Living, HGTV Magazine, Fine Gardening, Country Gardens, and in over 300 newspapers. As an expert in her field, she has appeared on the Fine Living Network, GardenSMART, gardenloverstv.com and numerous local tv shows.
All articles are copyrighted and remain the property of the author.
By Dan Heims, President, Terra Nova Nurseries, Inc.
Photographs courtesy of Terra Nova Nurseries, Inc.
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