1
Patio Belle
SweetBred for containers. Compact plants produce full-sized sweet bells.
Height: 18 inchesHeat: None
Top 10 List
10 Best Peppers for Containers
From sweet bells to scorching habaneros, these varieties thrive in pots on patios, balconies, and decks.
2
Cayenne
HotProlific hot pepper. One plant produces more than you can use.
Height: 2-3 feetHeat: 30,000-50,000 SHU
3
Shishito
MildJapanese appetizer favorite. Mostly mild with occasional surprise heat.
Height: 2 feetHeat: 50-200 SHU
4
Jalapeño
HotThe classic container hot pepper. Compact and productive.
Height: 2-3 feetHeat: 2,500-8,000 SHU
5
Lunchbox Sweet
SweetSnack-sized sweet peppers perfect for eating fresh.
Height: 2 feetHeat: None
6
Thai Chile
HotExtremely compact and extremely hot. Perfect for small spaces.
Height: 15-18 inchesHeat: 50,000-100,000 SHU
7
Mini Bell Mix
SweetColorful mini bells in red, yellow, orange. Perfect for snacking.
Height: 18-24 inchesHeat: None
8
Habanero
HotFruity and extremely hot. One plant is plenty for most.
Height: 2-3 feetHeat: 100,000-350,000 SHU
9
Anaheim
MildGreat for roasting and stuffing. Mild heat, big flavor.
Height: 2 feetHeat: 500-2,500 SHU
10
Cherry Bomb
HotRound cherry peppers perfect for pickling. Compact and ornamental.
Height: 2 feetHeat: 2,500-5,000 SHU
Frequently Asked Questions
What size container do peppers need?
Most peppers need at least 5-gallon containers. Compact varieties like Thai Chile can grow in 3-gallon pots. Larger containers (7-10 gallons) produce bigger harvests and need less frequent watering.
Can you grow bell peppers in containers?
Yes! Choose compact varieties bred for containers like Patio Belle. Standard bell peppers can work but need larger containers (7+ gallons) and may produce fewer fruits than compact varieties.
How many peppers does one plant produce?
Hot peppers like cayenne and Thai chile can produce 50-100+ peppers per plant. Sweet peppers typically produce 5-15 fruits per plant. Container plants often produce slightly less than garden plants.