Can I grow different pepper varieties together?
Written by
Liu Xiaohui
Reviewed by
Prof. Samuel Fitzgerald, Ph.D.Mixing pepper varieties creates colorful container gardens. I can use jalapeños with purple bells for visual interest. Spacing the plants well will prevent disease while maximizing production overall. Cross-pollination is a concern for many gardeners. But your fruit will not be affected by cross-pollination this season.
Beneficial Companions
- Basil: Repels aphids and improves pepper flavor
- Marigolds: Deter nematodes with root secretions
- Oregano: Shields against common garden pests
- Carrots: Loosen soil without competing for nutrients
Avoid These Plants
- Fennel: Releases growth-inhibiting chemicals
- Kohlrabi: Competes aggressively for nutrients
- Apricot trees: Share common fungal diseases
- Beans: Increase nitrogen beyond pepper needs
Pepper Combinations
- Hot + ornamental: Thai chili with Black Pearl
- Sweet + compact: Mini bell with Lunchbox orange
- Heirloom mixes: Chocolate habanero with Purple Beauty
- Color themes: All yellow or purple varieties together
Cross-pollination has the potential to impact next year's generation of plants only if you save seeds from this year's plants. The fruit produced this season will carry the same flavor profile regardless of your neighbor's garden. I have planted jalapeños right next to bells, and there is no resultant spiciness, only separate varieties if you plan to save seeds for the following year.
Ensure airflow between containers to avoid fungal problems. Use a stand to elevate pots for circulation. Rotate the plants each month. I lost a crop to mildew before I was aware of it. Now my mixed varieties can grow completely fungus-free.
Watering needs can differ between types of peppers, with hot peppers tolerating drier soil than sweets. Group plant types together based their watering needs. For example, I created two irrigation groups: one for the habaneros, and one for the bell peppers. Irrigating them separately helped to avoid overwatering of the hot peppers, or any sensitive type of pepper.
Harvest timing varies depending on the variety. Sweets are picked firm and glossy, while hots should be left on the plant long enough to develop color and heat fully. Clearly label each container as soon as you receive it. I use a color-coded tag system to help remind me not to choose any of the slow-to-ripen varieties too early.
Read the full article: Ultimate Guide to Growing Peppers in Pots
