Top 15 Companion Plants to Grow with Peppers

Companion planting is a time-tested gardening practice that pairs plants together to benefit each other’s growth.

If you're growing peppers in your garden, adding the right companion plants can improve your yields, protect your crops from pests, and even enhance the flavor of your peppers.

In this article, we’ll explore 15 of the best companion plants for peppers, explaining how each one contributes to the overall health and productivity of your pepper plants.

Whether you're a seasoned gardener or a beginner, these companion plants can make a big difference in your pepper harvest.

Let’s get into it and learn how these plants work together to boost your pepper-growing success!

1. Basil

Basil is an excellent companion plant for peppers, as it shares similar growth needs, thriving in warm temperatures and full sunlight.

Beyond its compatibility, basil helps by repelling pests like aphids, whiteflies, and hornworms, protecting your peppers from damage.

When basil flowers, it attracts pollinators like bees and beneficial insects such as ladybugs, which further enhance pepper pollination and reduce pest populations.

Research shows that planting basil alongside peppers can improve yields, making it a win-win for gardeners.

Basil may also enhance the flavor of peppers, with its aromatic compounds influencing the taste of nearby plants.

Plant basil once the weather warms up in spring or early summer, ensuring it gets enough sunlight and well-drained soil to thrive.

2. Onions/Scallions

Onions and scallions are great for deterring pests like aphids, cabbage worms, and beetles with their pungent aroma.

These alliums also help improve soil health by loosening compacted soil, allowing pepper plants to grow stronger, deeper roots.

Onions can also help prevent fungal diseases, such as gray mold, by releasing sulfur compounds into the soil. Scallions, in particular, are effective at deterring pests like the five-spotted hawk moth, which can harm peppers.

Plant onions or scallions near peppers in full sun with well-drained soil. Both plants thrive in warm conditions, so it's best to plant them after the last frost, typically in spring.

3. Marigolds

Marigolds are a well-known companion plant for peppers, providing several benefits. Their strong fragrance repels pests like aphids and whiteflies, helping protect your pepper plants from common garden invaders.

Additionally, marigolds release compounds from their roots that suppress root knot nematodes, a soil-borne pest that can damage pepper roots.

Marigolds also attract beneficial insects, such as ladybugs and lacewings, which feed on harmful pests.

By planting marigolds near your peppers, you can improve pollination and reduce pest pressure, ultimately leading to healthier plants and better yields.

Plant marigolds in full sun, ideally alongside peppers, during the spring or early summer. They thrive in well-drained soil and help keep your pepper garden pest-free.

4. Nasturtiums

Nasturtiums are a natural trap crop for aphids. These pests are attracted to the leaves of nasturtiums, keeping them away from your pepper plants.

In addition to aphid control, nasturtiums also attract beneficial insects like ladybugs, hoverflies, and lacewings, which further help manage pests in your garden.

Nasturtiums also deter other pests such as whiteflies and squash bugs, providing additional protection for your peppers.

Their vibrant flowers are a great addition to the garden, offering both beauty and functionality.

Plant nasturtiums near peppers, especially during spring or early summer, ensuring they have well-drained soil and plenty of sunlight. Their low-growing habit can also help suppress weeds around your pepper plants.

5. Carrots

Carrots make an excellent companion plant for peppers by providing shade for their tender tops while growing low to the ground.

This shade helps reduce weed growth around pepper plants and preserves soil moisture. Carrots also help improve soil structure by loosening the soil with their root systems, allowing pepper roots to grow deeper and more effectively.

Not only that, carrots also attract beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings, which help control pest populations in your garden.

Since carrots and peppers have different root systems, they won’t compete for nutrients, making them an ideal pairing.

Plant carrots early in the season, as they grow quickly and are ready to harvest before peppers need the full space and resources. Ensure they have well-drained, loose soil and full sun to thrive.

6. Cilantro

Cilantro is another great companion for peppers, especially when it comes to attracting beneficial insects.

The white, umbrella-shaped flowers of cilantro attract pollinators like bees and beneficial predators like hoverflies, ladybugs, and parasitic wasps, all of which help improve pepper pollination and pest control.

Additionally, cilantro’s strong scent can confuse garden pests, masking the smell of pepper plants and making them less likely to be targeted by pests.

This natural pest deterrent, combined with cilantro’s ability to support beneficial insect populations, makes it a valuable companion plant.

Cilantro grows quickly and can be planted early in the season. Be sure to provide it with full sun and well-drained soil. It’s a perfect plant to grow alongside peppers for both pest control and improved pollination.

7. Dill

Dill is a fantastic companion plant for peppers, known for its ability to attract beneficial insects like hoverflies, ladybugs, and parasitic wasps, which are all natural predators of common pests.

The large, umbrella-shaped flowers of dill serve as magnets for these helpful insects, improving pest control in your pepper garden.

Additionally, dill's strong aroma repels a variety of pests, including aphids, beetles, and other harmful insects.

By planting dill near your peppers, you can help create a healthier, more balanced garden ecosystem. Dill also thrives in warm weather, just like peppers, making them a natural pairing.

Plant dill early in the season, ensuring it has full sun and well-drained soil. Since dill can grow quite tall, plant it at the back of your garden to avoid shading your pepper plants.

8. Sweet Alyssum

Sweet Alyssum is a low-growing flower that’s highly beneficial for peppers.

Its nectar-rich blooms attract a wide variety of pollinators, such as bees, while also drawing beneficial insects like ladybugs, lacewings, and parasitic wasps, all of which help manage pests in your pepper garden.

Additionally, sweet alyssum has been shown to prevent aphid infestations by attracting aphid-eating insects, making it an excellent natural pest control option.

Its growth habit also helps suppress weeds around pepper plants, reducing competition for resources.

Plant sweet alyssum near your peppers in well-drained soil and full sun. Its compact size makes it ideal for planting between or around pepper plants without overcrowding.

9. Oregano

Oregano is a highly beneficial companion for peppers, known for its strong fragrance that naturally repels pests. Its scent masks the aroma of peppers, making it harder for pests to locate the plants.

This pest-repellent property helps keep aphids, spider mites, and other harmful insects away from your peppers.

Additionally, oregano’s flowers attract beneficial insects like lacewings, which feed on aphids and other pests.

Its low-growing habit makes it an ideal ground cover for pepper plants, helping to retain moisture in the soil and suppress weed growth.

Plant oregano near your peppers in well-drained soil and full sun. Oregano thrives in warm weather, making it a perfect companion for peppers during the growing season.

10. Garlic

Garlic is another great companion plant for peppers, offering both pest control and disease prevention.

Its pungent aroma helps repel aphids, slugs, and other pests that commonly attack peppers. The strong scent of garlic can also mask the smell of pepper plants, further reducing the likelihood of pest invasions.

In addition to pest control, garlic is known for its ability to help prevent fungal diseases like gray mold, which can affect pepper plants.

Garlic’s sulfur compounds contribute to healthier soil and help protect your peppers from disease.

Plant garlic alongside peppers in well-drained soil and full sun. Garlic is usually planted in the fall and harvested in early summer, making it a great partner for peppers throughout the growing season.

11. Spinach

Spinach is a great companion plant for peppers, offering several benefits that help enhance their growth.

Its large, leafy foliage provides shade for pepper plants, especially for young seedlings or during the hottest parts of the day, helping to preserve soil moisture and reduce heat stress on your peppers.

Spinach also acts as a natural mulch by covering the soil, preventing weed growth and minimizing soil erosion.

Since it matures quickly, you can harvest spinach early in the growing season, leaving the space available for your peppers to grow and thrive.

Plant spinach near your peppers in well-drained soil with full sun. Its fast growth and ability to thrive in cooler temperatures make it a perfect early-season companion for peppers, which can take over the space once the spinach has been harvested.

12. Cowpeas

Cowpeas are an excellent companion for peppers because they are nitrogen-fixing legumes, meaning they help improve soil fertility.

These plants capture nitrogen from the air and convert it into a form that peppers can use, enriching the soil and promoting stronger, healthier pepper plants.

Additionally, cowpeas act as a living mulch by shading the soil, which helps to suppress weeds and maintain soil moisture.

Their deep root systems also help loosen compacted soil, making it easier for pepper plants to establish strong roots.

Plant cowpeas in the spring, ideally before or alongside your peppers. Ensure they have full sun and well-drained soil to thrive. As a legume, they are a perfect way to naturally boost soil health for your pepper plants.

13. Rosemary

Rosemary is a fantastic companion plant for peppers due to its ability to repel pests and provide environmental protection.

The strong scent of rosemary masks the aroma of your pepper plants, making it more difficult for pests to locate them.

This is particularly useful in keeping common pests like aphids, beetles, and whiteflies away from your peppers.

In addition to pest control, rosemary offers some physical protection.

When grown tall enough, it can act as a shield against strong winds and heavy rain, which can damage more delicate pepper plants.

Rosemary also thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, making it a perfect match for peppers in warm weather.

Plant rosemary near your peppers to take advantage of its pest-repelling properties and its ability to protect your plants from the elements.

It’s a hardy, low-maintenance herb that enhances both the health and resilience of your garden.

14. Chamomile

Chamomile is a wonderful companion plant for peppers, offering multiple benefits.

Its sweet-smelling flowers attract a variety of beneficial insects, such as hoverflies, predatory wasps, and bees, all of which help with pest control and pollination.

These insects contribute to a more balanced garden ecosystem, aiding the growth of your peppers.

Chamomile also has antifungal properties, which can help protect your pepper plants from diseases like powdery mildew and gray mold.

Plant chamomile near your peppers in full sun and well-drained soil. It’s easy to grow and adds both beauty and functionality to your garden while supporting pepper plant health.

15. Borage

Borage is an excellent companion plant for peppers, known for its ability to enhance both soil health and pest control.

This plant is a bioaccumulator, meaning it pulls essential nutrients from deep within the soil and brings them to the surface.

As a result, borage makes these nutrients available to the shallower roots of your pepper plants, helping them grow stronger and more productive.

Borage also attracts beneficial insects, such as bees and predatory insects like ladybugs, which can help control pests in your garden.

In addition to that, its large, broad leaves help to shade the soil, suppressing weeds and retaining moisture, which benefits your peppers during dry spells.

It’s easy to grow and thrives in warm conditions, making it an ideal companion for peppers throughout the growing season.

Plant these companions with your peppers to boost growth, deter pests, and create a healthier garden!

Incorporating companion plants into your pepper garden is a simple yet effective way to enhance growth, improve yields, and reduce pest problems.

From basil’s pest-repelling properties to borage’s ability to improve soil health, each of the 15 companion plants we’ve discussed offers unique benefits that can make a big difference in your garden’s success.

By strategically pairing peppers with these plants, you can create a more balanced, sustainable garden that not only supports your peppers but also contributes to overall biodiversity.

Whether you're looking to attract pollinators, improve soil quality, or reduce pest pressure, these companion plants provide natural solutions to common gardening challenges.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Why should I plant companion plants with my peppers?

Companion plants help improve pepper plant health by enhancing pollination, repelling pests, and improving soil fertility. They create a more balanced garden ecosystem and can lead to higher yields and healthier plants.

2. Can I use all of these companion plants together in the same garden?

Yes, most of these companion plants can be used together, but it’s important to ensure they have enough space to grow without overcrowding each other. Some plants may prefer different soil conditions, so be mindful of that when planting them alongside peppers.

3. When is the best time to plant companion plants with my peppers?

Companion plants should be planted at the same time as your peppers or slightly earlier, depending on the plant. Many of these companions thrive in warm weather, so it’s best to plant them in late spring or early summer after the risk of frost has passed.

4. Do companion plants really improve the flavor of peppers?

Certain companion plants, like basil, may have a mild effect on the flavor of peppers. Basil, in particular, can influence the taste of nearby plants, potentially adding a more aromatic or robust flavor to your peppers.

5. Can companion planting help with pepper disease prevention?

Yes, many companion plants have antifungal or disease-resistant properties that can help protect your peppers from common garden diseases. For example, garlic and chamomile have antifungal qualities that can reduce the risk of conditions like gray mold and powdery mildew.