Do You Plant Peppers as Deep as Tomatoes?

When it comes to planting two of the most popular vegetables in home gardens – peppers and tomatoes – you may be wondering if you plant them in the same way. Specifically, do peppers need to be planted as deep in the ground as tomato plants?

The short answer is no While tomato plants can be buried deep with much of the stem underground, peppers should be planted at a shallower depth with most of the stem above the soil surface

Let’s take a closer look at why planting depth differs between these two common garden veggies and how deep you should plant each one.

Tomato Planting Depth

Tomato plants have a unique ability called adventitious rooting. This means they can form new roots all along their stems when the stem is buried under the soil. As the tomato plant grows, these additional roots provide extra support and access to nutrients and water.

As a result, gardeners are advised to plant tomato transplants deeper than they were growing in their pots or cell packs It’s recommended to bury at least 2/3 of the stem underground Sometimes the entire stem except for the top few sets of leaves can be buried.

Planting tomatoes deep has several advantages:

• The underground portion of the stem will grow adventitious roots to create a stronger root system
• A deeper root system provides better stability and access to soil moisture and nutrients
• More of the plant is protected if cold weather occurs
• The plant is less likely to keel over and require staking

So tomato transplants will thrive when planted deep in the ground. Those extra roots along the buried stem are beneficial.

Pepper Planting Depth

What about peppers? Do they form adventitious roots like tomatoes?

The answer is pepper plants do not readily form new roots if their stems are buried. While it’s possible for some roots to eventually emerge on an underground pepper stem, it’s not a sure thing.

Peppers lack the vigorous adventitious rooting ability of tomatoes. Burying much of a pepper’s stem may just lead to rot and decline of that section.

Therefore, pepper transplants should be planted at the same depth they were growing in their pots or cell packs. Avoid planting the stem any deeper than its original level.

Here are recommended planting depths for pepper transplants:

• Keep the top of the root ball level with the surrounding soil surface
• Allow 2-3 sets of true leaves to remain above the soil level
• Ensure the stem, where it meets the roots, is right at ground level

Resist the urge to plant peppers deep like tomatoes. Leaving most of the stem exposed avoids problems.

Reasons for Shallow Pepper Planting

Here are some key reasons why peppers should be planted more shallowly than tomato transplants:

• Peppers lack adventitious rooting abilities on buried stems
• Underground stems often rot leading to decline or death
• Shallow planting prevents soilborne diseases from splashing up
• Leaves remaining above ground allow photosynthesis to continue
• The stem-root transition stays aerated and dry

While you can pinch off the lower leaves and bury just the bare stem a bit, it’s still best to keep most of a pepper’s stem above the soil.

Providing Support for Shallow Planted Peppers

Without the benefit of deep roots like tomatoes, how can shallow planted pepper plants be supported adequately? Here are some tips:

• Use low cages, rings or trellises to support stems and keep plants upright
• Drive a sturdy stake next to each plant and loosely tie stems
• Allow plants to sprawl rather than remain upright
• Grow dwarf, compact varieties with less need for support
• Space plants far enough apart to prevent crowding and leaning

Even with shallow planting, properly supported pepper plants will thrive and produce plenty of delicious fruits.

Transplanting From Pots

When moving either tomatoes or peppers from pots into the garden, follow these tips:

• Water plants well the day before transplanting
• Gently remove from pots, disturbing roots as little as possible
• Tease out any circling roots on the root ball exterior
• Dig holes to the proper planting depth based on the plant type
• Backfill holes with surrounding native soil to cover roots and stem
• Water transplants well right after planting to remove any air pockets

Carefully transplanting and planting at the right depth gets plants off to a vigorous start. Monitor growth and provide supports as needed.

How Deep Should Different Pepper Types Be Planted?

While all peppers do best planted at original soil level, here are some guidelines per pepper type:

• Bell peppers – Plant large varieties 3-4 inches deep, smaller types 2-3 inches deep
• Banana/wax peppers – Plant 3-4 inches deep depending on size
• Jalapenos – Plant jalapenos 2-3 inches deep
• Cayenne peppers – Plant 2-3 inches deep
• Habanero peppers – Plant 2-3 inches deep
• Poblano peppers – Plant 3-4 inches deep
• Cherry bomb peppers – Plant 2-3 inches deep
• Ornamental peppers – Plant 2-3 inches deep

Adjust exact depth as needed based on original root ball depth and sets of leaves. But sticking to just a few inches is perfect for strong, productive plants.

The Takeaway on Pepper and Tomato Planting Depths

To summarize key points on transplant depths:

• Tomato stems can be buried deep since they generate adventitious roots
• Plant tomato transplants deeper than they were originally growing
• Pepper plants should be planted at the same level as their original soil level
• Avoid planting a pepper’s stem deeper than it was originally
• Keep most of a pepper’s stem and several leaves above the soil surface
• Shallow planted peppers need adequate support from cages or stakes

Understanding ideal planting techniques for both tomatoes and peppers will lead to healthier plants and greater yields. So plant your pepper transplants just deep enough to cover the roots – and let those tomato stems stretch out underground!