Bell- peppers are warm-season plants that don’t require much attention if you grow them in the proper climate. These veggies are colorful, flavorful, and relatively easy to grow, making them a favorite choice among many gardeners. However, that doesn’t mean you should be familiar with their needs and requirements. But do bell peppers need cages?
And what else should you know about growing these plants native to Central and South America? You have landed in the right place to find out!
Do Bell Peppers Need Support For Growing?
Bell peppers have a shallow root system. While such a characteristic allows you to grow them in containers, it also means that the plant is more susceptible to breaking and bending, especially during the growing season.
So, supporting your pepper plants will ensure they thrive (and do so in an attractive shape). The idea behind adding a cage is to distribute the plant’s weight evenly to avoid bending.
While not all pepper varieties need support for growing, bell peppers do. After all, these plants’ fruits tend to be heavy, which can cause stems to break. We recommend adding a cage (or any other support) to your plants to prevent this.
You can apply a support structure at any point of the growing season. However, adding it early on will give you the best results.
How Can You Stake Bell Peppers?
Creating support for your bell peppers isn’t anything out of this world. You can use simple methods (wooden stakes) or add a cage to allow the plant to climb around it. While the aesthetics will be up to you, don’t forget that the structure should be sturdy enough to support your pepper plants even in windy conditions.
Use wood, bamboo, metal, or plastic sticks for a cheap and practical solution. Keep in mind that the lighter stakes will only be able to support young plants: you’ll have to replace them with something sturdier as your peppers mature. Don’t forget to insert the stake about 6 inches deep and tether the plant to the support using strings or zip ties.
Alternatively, consider purchasing a tomato cage for your plants. Such solutions are perfect for support stems carrying heavy fruits. You can add them from the beginning and leave them there as long as your plant is alive.
Keep in mind that the temperature and the growing conditions will affect how large your plants grow. And bigger plants require more support!
How To Build A Cage For Your Peppers
While you can buy tomato cages at any gardening store (or online), you can also do it yourself! After all, the process is not complicated. Building it for your peppers is inexpensive and doesn’t take too much time.
Many people like to use wire-mesh fencing, which is sturdy enough to keep the plants in place, even when the wind blows strong. Alternatively, you can also use chicken wire or even bamboo.
Do Bell Peppers Need Cages: Final Thoughts
Unleash your creativity and select a material and a design that suits your preferences! There are many options out there! Don’t forget to make your cafe about 2 to 3 feet tall. Push it to a depth of 6 inches.
And remember to avoid tying your plants tightly to the support system as it might cut and harm your plants.
Besides supporting your plants, you’ll also have to take proper care of them. Ensure you plant them in fertile, well-draining, and moist soil for best results.
Related Article: Can Bell Peppers Survive Frost?