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One or two serrano peppers per 5-gallon pot?

High_Plains_Drifter

18 years ago

I just transplanted two 3-inch serrano pepper seedlings into a 5-gallon plastic bucket. The container is filled with Supersoil evenly amended with gypsum, epsom salts and Shultz Multicote 17-17-17 pellets. Now, should I keep both plants or kill the weaker one in three weeks or so? Also, should I mulch with compost when the weather gets hot.

Thanks,

HPD

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Comments (6)

jwk1
18 years ago
Only one fits in a five gallon bucket. I have grown serrano peppers like this many times (including this year). They throw a lot of fruit and will be completely root bound by summer's end. Whether your soil mix is going to be agreeable or not is another matter. Only time will tell. Be prepared to water twice a day. HTH.
scott_in_chicago
18 years ago
JWK1 is right on target. Any more than one plant per five gallon bucket and you'll have those plants fighting for root space in no time, which will impede your plant growth and negatively impact your yield. You'll end up with a much higher fruit yield overall if you stick to one plant per bucket.

Here is a link that might be useful: urbanChiles
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Serranos seem to be pretty forgiving. Mine has thrived, even though I totally neglect it. It is 3' tall and about 2' wide, covered in peppers from top to bottom. It is the lone survivor in my north raised bed garden. It does okay year round here. I don't even water it. I would try the two together if they both look healthy. If one is small, then the easy answer is to remove it. One Serrano can fill a 5 gallon container with no problem. They are too hot for me! Tiny, cute looking peppers with a big kick.. Lisa the wimp
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Thanks for the info on the BER. First year container gardening so this is a whole new experience for me. I made my mix myself, Peat Moss (1/2 bag), garden lime (3 handfuls), perlite (1 bag), composted cow manure (1/2 bag) and 10-10-10 (12oz cup) and 2 cups coffee grounds mixed up well in wheelbarrow. Buckets/Containers 5 gallon with 1 1/2" to 2" rocks in the bottom and holes in the bottom of the buckets for excess to drain.
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I'm sorry I hadn't got back to this thread. My home computer has "issues" with gardenweb so I don't check as often over the weekend as I should. Anyway, thanks for the ideas! First to answer the questions - no I don't really have any tips on growing serranos except full sun. All of my peppers have been far more productive since we moved to a new home and they really have a full day's sun. As for freezing, I do not prep at all, simply wash and toss in the freezer. I don't seed them until I use them and not always even then. Jimster, those are all good suggestions and often what I use frozen ones for, but a few extra ideas there. jt - do you know where I can find an approved recipe for hot sauce? I looked at the thread that lamalu linked (thank you!) and I just worry about which are safe ways to prepare it. I am not experienced enough to judge just by looking at it. What do fermented peppers taste like and can you do it with any kind? Thanks again, Ann
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flound_1129
18 years ago
depends. After my results last year I decided not to grow more than one plant per 5 gallon bucket. This is mainly because they dry out so fast. I think you could easily grow 3 plants in a 15 gallon bucket since it is so much deeper, and probably get more yeild per square foot.
ric_oregon
18 years ago
To help cut down on water usage when using containiers is if you can bury it the in the heat of the summer. I did it this year with tomatoes. Guessing it cut water usage in half.

This works great here because of the long cool wet springs. You get the beifit from warmer soil to get the roots growing. I dug a hole deeper then the bucket. Then put a brick in the bottem for the containier to sit on. This allows for a drainage space. Throw in a little loose compost for any roots that grow out the drainage holes in the containier. Your plants should love it.
Pepper_King
18 years ago
Keep them in the pot. Ive grown more peppers in a pot than that. Just make sure they get water. They should do good.
I have 2 pepper plants per pot and tney are doing great. Dont listen to these fools. They seem to be kinda retarded..
cmpman1974
18 years ago
I have some 18 to 20 inch planters with 7-8 plants and they are thriving. I have 8 Red Habanero plants in one 20" pot and there are so many peppers I don't know what to do with them.

However, the pots do dry out FAST! My success would not be achieved in 5 gallon pots. I would stick to 1 variety per pot, JMHO.

Chris

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