Bell Pepper
Capsicum annuum
Hot Pepper (Jalapeño)
Capsicum annuum
Bell Peppers vs Hot Peppers for Containers: Which Pepper to Grow
Comparing bell peppers and hot peppers for container growing. Learn which produces more, grows faster, and works better for small balcony gardens.
Quick Comparison
| Criteria | 🫑Bell Pepper | 🌶️Hot Pepper (Jalapeño) | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Difficulty | moderate | moderate | Hot Pepper (Jalapeño) |
| Days to Harvest | 75 days | 70 days | Hot Pepper (Jalapeño) |
| Container Size | 5 gallon pot | 3 gallon pot | Hot Pepper (Jalapeño) |
| Sunlight | full sun | full sun | - |
| Water Needs | moderate | moderate | - |
| Yield | Lower | Higher | Hot Pepper (Jalapeño) |
| Beginner-Friendly | Moderate | ⭐ Yes | Hot Pepper (Jalapeño) |
Key Differences
Plant Size & Compactness
Larger plants. 24-36 inches tall. Bushier, need more space. 5-gallon minimum.
Compact plants. 12-24 inches tall. Tidy growth habit. Thrive in 3-gallon pots.
Harvest Quantity
6-10 large peppers per plant. Fewer fruits but bigger size.
20-50+ small peppers per plant. Abundant production all season.
Days to Maturity
70-85 days. Longer wait for large bell peppers to form.
60-75 days. Faster maturity. Continuous harvest once started.
Growing Difficulty
Moderate. More susceptible to blossom drop. Needs consistent conditions.
Easy. Very resilient. Tolerates heat stress better. Fewer problems.
Ornamental Value
Green plants with large green peppers turning red/yellow/orange.
Beautiful compact plants. Colorful peppers (red, purple, orange, yellow). Often grown as ornamentals.
Culinary Uses
Sweet flavor. Stuffing, grilling, fajitas, stir-fries, raw snacking. Very versatile.
Spicy heat (mild jalapeños to extreme ghost peppers). Hot sauce, salsas, drying, pickling.
Best for Bell Pepper
Choose Bell Pepper if:
- You want sweet, mild peppers
- You have larger containers (5+ gallons)
- You use peppers for stuffing and grilling
- You prefer versatile cooking vegetables
- You can wait 70-85 days for harvest
Best for Hot Pepper (Jalapeño)
Choose Hot Pepper (Jalapeño) if:
- You want abundant harvests (20-50+ peppers)
- You have small containers (3-5 gallons)
- You love spicy food and hot sauce
- You want faster results (60-75 days)
- You prefer compact, ornamental plants
Can They Grow Together?
Yes, they can grow together!
Bell peppers and hot peppers can be grown together but may cross-pollinate if you plan to save seeds. For eating, this doesn't matter—current fruit flavor is determined by the plant's genetics, not pollination. Space them 12-18 inches apart in large containers or adjacent pots.
The Bottom Line
Bell Pepper
Choose bell peppers if you want large, sweet, versatile peppers for cooking, have larger containers, and can wait for bigger harvests.
Hot Pepper (Jalapeño)
Choose hot peppers for abundant harvests, compact plants in small containers, faster maturity, and if you love spicy food.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is easier to grow: Bell Pepper or Hot Pepper (Jalapeño)?
Hot Pepper (Jalapeño) is generally easier to grow in containers. It requires less maintenance and is more forgiving of mistakes.
Which grows faster: Bell Pepper or Hot Pepper (Jalapeño)?
Hot Pepper (Jalapeño) reaches harvest maturity faster, typically in 70 days compared to 75 days for Bell Pepper.
Can I grow Bell Pepper and Hot Pepper (Jalapeño) together?
Yes! Bell peppers and hot peppers can be grown together but may cross-pollinate if you plan to save seeds. For eating, this doesn't matter—current fruit flavor is determined by the plant's genetics, not pollination. Space them 12-18 inches apart in large containers or adjacent pots.
Which needs less space: Bell Pepper or Hot Pepper (Jalapeño)?
Hot Pepper (Jalapeño) requires less space with a minimum container size of 3 gallon pot, making it better for small balconies and windowsills.
Which produces more: Bell Pepper or Hot Pepper (Jalapeño)?
Hot Pepper (Jalapeño) typically produces more harvest per plant over the growing season, making it better for maximum yield in limited space.
Which is better for beginners: Bell Pepper or Hot Pepper (Jalapeño)?
Hot Pepper (Jalapeño) is more beginner-friendly due to its forgiving nature and easier care requirements. It's a great first plant for new container gardeners.
What are the main differences between Bell Pepper and Hot Pepper (Jalapeño)?
The key differences include: plant size & compactness, harvest quantity, days to maturity. See the detailed comparison above for complete differences.
Should I choose Bell Pepper or Hot Pepper (Jalapeño) for my balcony?
Choose bell peppers if you want large, sweet, versatile peppers for cooking, have larger containers, and can wait for bigger harvests. Choose hot peppers for abundant harvests, compact plants in small containers, faster maturity, and if you love spicy food. Consider your space, sunlight, and what you want to grow when making your decision.
Related Plant Guides
Complete Bell Pepper Growing Guide
Learn everything about growing Bell Pepper in containers.
Complete Hot Pepper (Jalapeño) Growing Guide
Learn everything about growing Hot Pepper (Jalapeño) in containers.
Browse All Plants
Explore our complete database of container-friendly plants.
More Comparisons
Compare other popular container plants side-by-side.
Plan Your Perfect Container Garden
Use our AI-powered garden planner to create a custom container garden plan with Bell Pepper, Hot Pepper (Jalapeño), or both, optimized for your specific space, climate, and experience level.
Try AI Garden Planner