Can You Plant Peppers Deep Like Tomatoes?

Can You Plant Peppers Deep Like Tomatoes

Have you ever planted pepper plants only to have them grow tall and spindly instead of wide and healthy? It’s easy for your plants to become leggy and stunted instead of reaching their full potential. Most people struggle to find out how deep to plant a pepper plant.

Can you plant peppers deep like tomatoes? 

Yes, planting peppers deep allows roots to expand more. You can also bury your leggy pepper plants. Plant your pepper by burying the plant up to an inch deep and exposing it to enough light. It helps strengthen the leggy stems. Plus, avoid overwatering your pepper plants to avoid dampness

Does this sound a bit shallow? Read on to learn more.

Also Check: Squash Bugs On Tomatoes

Can Pepper Plants Be Planted Deep Like Tomatoes?

Yes, you can grow pepper plants up to an inch deep above the root ball. An extensive root system will draw more nutrients for your plants and keep them healthy.

However, before making this decision, you should check some differences between pepper plants and tomatoes. For one, pepper plants are typically smaller than tomato plants. Therefore, pepper plants do not need as much root space to grow and thrive as tomato plants.

Furthermore, you can bury leggy pepper plants and prevent plants from falling over. Burying pepper stems is good as it allows roots to grow around the area beneath the soil. However, note that pepper roots take longer to grow, unlike tomatoes. Besides, the roots are likely to rot if they are overexposed to dampness.

Additionally, pepper plants like it a bit warmer than tomatoes. Therefore, if you’re in a climate with cooler summers, you might want to consider planting your peppers a bit closer to the surface.

And finally, pepper plants have less foliage. They, therefore, need less moisture when it comes time for watering. 

While peppers enjoy being planted deep like tomatoes, always keep the water supply controlled. 

Can You Bury Leggy Pepper Plants?

It’s good farm practice to bury leggy pepper plants. Bury the plants up to the first set of true leaves. It helps support the plant and keep it from toppling over. 

Be sure to water well after planting. When planted deep, pepper plants are more susceptible to root rot. Therefore, ensure the soil is moist and not overly damp.

However, pepper plants don’t like wet feet! If you choose to bury pepper plants, use a container with drainage holes that are large enough for both roots and leaves. 

Pack potting mix around the bottom, cover with 2-3 inches of soil, then gently pack down.

Again, water thoroughly before covering with mulch or straw for winter protection. As the days grow longer in spring, be prepared to lift your pepper plants out of their burrows. Remember that peppers are sun-loving plants. They, therefore, may need extra staking as they grow taller and bushier.

But…

How Deep Can Pepper Be Planted?

The ideal depth to plant your pepper plants is an inch deep. Also, the size of transplant holes matters. The holes should be at least twice the diameter of the plant’s root ball. 

Many people argue that you can plant peppers as deep as tomatoes. But, how true is this?

First, let’s look at the difference between pepper plants and tomatoes. Pepper plants are shorter than tomato plants. They, therefore, are not going to need to be planted as deep as a tomato plant would be. 

You see, pepper plants also have smaller root systems than tomato plants. 

Unlike tomato roots, pepper roots will probably not reach down far enough into the soil. So, plant your pepper more shallowly as compared to tomatoes. So, now you know how much depth is suitable for your pepper.

Can Pepper Stem Be Buried?

You can bury your pepper plant if the stem has not hardened. Again, plant your pepper plant just deep enough to cover the first two leaves as it reduces the risk of stem rot.

Tomatoes planted deep reap significantly higher yields. Also, planting your pepper deep may yield higher. One American Society for Horticultural Science study showed that buried pepper stems (deeply planted stems) withstood solid winds. Besides, they produced more ripe peppers.

Burying your pepper stem prevents the plant from tipping over. In addition, this helps your plant to flower and develop fruits faster. It’s worth noting that, although side roots may grow from the buried pepper stem, the risk of stem rot increases with depth. 

Remember root rot occurs due to overly wet soil. Plus, you don’t want this to happen to your favorite pepper plants since pepper won’t grow well on wet feet. Plus, you want your plants to thrive. Right?

What Do You Do with Leggy Pepper Plants?

First, you can plant leggy (long and spindly stem) pepper deeper to strengthen the stem. You can also try using a trellis to support the plant. 

If you’re producing your pepper indoors, try repotting the plants into fresh soil with additional fertilizer. Your goal here is to help the leggy stem grow thicker.

Second, to help your leggy pepper grow stockier, run a fan on the plant a few hours daily. Do this as soon as the pepper plant produces the first true leaves. According to Clemson Cooperative Extension, the gently blowing fan shakes the leaves and the stem. Consequently, it strengthens the branch. Having a fan run near the leaves increases transpiration. 

Try petting the leggy pepper seedling with your hands to stimulate the stem to grow thicker.

Besides, air circulation helps reduce fungal infections from forming in the foliage. It will help if you remember to monitor soil moisture, too. Lastly, make sure to give the leggy pepper plant enough water.

How Much Root Space Do Peppers Need?

Peppers need at least 12 inches of root space. Whether you’re planning to grow your pepper on a garden bed, a raised bed, or pots, it’s vital to get the spacing right. While some vegetables, like carrots, need just a few inches for roots to thrive, others need several feet between them. 

Different pepper varieties have different root spacing. It’s important to note that large pepper varieties require wider spacing to allow roots to thrive. What’s more? Most pepper varieties require 12 to 18 inches of spacing between stems. That is about 30 to 46 centimeters between adjacent stems. 

Why? You ask. Pepper plants are reasonably deep-rooted. So, the more spacious the root space, the better. However, the best root space for larger pepper varieties should be more than 18 inches from stem to stem.

Ensure that your pepper plants have enough room to grow. Consider their size and mature height when deciding where to place them in your garden. As with all vegetables, plan by checking out which pepper variety will grow best in your region before planting anything.

Do Peppers Do Well in Pots?

Peppers grow well in the garden but also do well in pots. If you’re short on space and want to grow peppers, try growing them in containers.

In fact, one striking similarity between tomatoes and pepper is that they can be grown in pots. Do you know there are many differences between growing pepper and tomatoes? Many people don’t know this yet. 

For example, pepper plants are bushier, unlike tomatoes. They produce fruits all over the plant instead of just one stem. But, the good news is that you can grow your pepper in containers. However, choose the suitable variety, fertilizer, and tools. In addition, water your peppers adequately to get a good harvest. 

Some pepper varieties hardly grow past one-foot high. Thus, they can grow under a two-gallon container. Conversely, bigger plants thrive well in a five-gallon container. Remember, pepper plants grow better. They’re also healthier with more room.

While selecting a pot for your pepper plant, remember that roots need at least 12 inches to spread. Also, you can drill holes at the bottom of the container. Better yet, purchase a container with holes to drain water at the bottom. 

Finally, place your pots in a sunny spot to ensure the pepper plants receive enough sunlight.

FAQs

Can I plant tomatoes and bell peppers together?

Yes. Plant peppers and tomatoes, but rotate them every season to avoid overwintering pathogens. You can intercrop pepper and tomatoes since they belong to the same nightshade family. 

Intercropping pepper and tomatoes could also prevent weeds from growing, especially when leaves shade the ground below them.

How deep do pepper roots grow?

Pepper roots grow up to 24 inches, with bell pepper roots topping 3 inches or more. This means that your pepper will flourish in relatively deep soils. 

If you’re potting your pepper, your container should be 18 inches deep. The container should be spacious to allow pepper roots to grow deeper.

Can you plant peppers close together?

Yes, pepper leaves from mature plants should touch each other. While you can plant pepper close to each other, leave enough root space for them to grow.

Check that your pepper leaves spread out to access enough sunlight. Keep in mind that correct spacing saves your garden plot.

Conclusion

While pepper plants seem relatively easy to grow, many people still struggle with how best to nurture them. Thankfully, this article has addressed a number of these challenges.

First, we’ve learned that you can plant your peppers deep like tomatoes. If your pepper stems are leggy, you could bury the stem to help the plant not to fall over. Besides, pepper plants need ample root space ranging from 12 to 18 inches. 

Besides, you can grow your peppers in can-thrive pots if your space is limited. When do you plan to start implementing the above tips?