Good & Bad Chili Pepper Companion Plants

You want to grow chili peppers at home but are not sure which plants you should grow with your chilies?

Then this article is exactly for you since I show you the best and worst chili companion plants in the following chapters.

Why do I need Companion Plants to grow Chili Peppers?

Chili peppers grow much better if you choose the right companion plants to grow next to them.

Among others, good companion plants attract pollinators and other helpful insects, loosen the soil, keep it moist, keep away pests, provide shade and can also improve the flavor of your chillies.

However, don’t get the idea that there are only good companion plants for your chilies.

Some plants can do more harm than good if you grow them with your chilies since they can take away precious nutrients, attract pests and lead to several other issues.

Hence, make sure to check out the following tables to avoid any mistakes in this regard and to grow your chili plants in the best possible manner.

Good Chili Companion Plants

Companion PlantWhy is it good?
ShallotsDeter aphids and ants.
OnionsDeter aphids and ants.
LeeksDeter aphids and ants.
GarlicDeter aphids and ants.
Spring OnionsDeter aphids and ants.
ChivesDeter aphids and ants.
SpinachProvides shade to the roots of your chilies.
ChardProvides shade to the roots of your chilies.
LettuceProvides shade to the roots of your chilies.
BeansFix nitrogen.
PeasFix nitrogen.
CucumbersFix nitrogen.
MarigoldsAttract pollinators.
NasturtiumsAttract pollinators and repel pests.
PetuniasAttract pollinators.
MarjoramCan improve the flavor of your chilies.
RosemaryCan improve the flavor of your chilies.
DillKeeps away spider mites.
BasilKeeps away aphids, ants and slugs.
ParsleyAttracts helpful insects.

Bad Chili Companion Plants

Companion PlantWhy is it bad?
KohlrabiAttract flea beetles and other harmful pests.
CabbageTake away nutrients from your chilli plants
Mustard GreensTake away nutrients from your chili plants.
FennelAttracts slugs and takes away nutrients from the soil.
ApricotsAttract fungus.

Best & Worst Chilli Companion Plants – Summary

Best Companion PlantsWorst Companion Plants
OnionsCabbage
LeeksMustard
GarlicKohlrabi
ShallotsApricots
Spring OnionsFennel
Chives
Spinach
Chard
Beans
Peas
Lettuce
Cucumbers
Nasturtiums
Marigolds
Petunias
Rosemary
Marjoram
Basil
Dill
Parsley

What should you plant with Chili Peppers?

Good companion plants for chili peppers are dill, parsley, basil, rosemary, marjoram, petunias, marigolds, nasturtiums, lettuce, beans, peas, cucumbers, chard, chives, spinach, shallots, spring onions, garlic, onions and leeks.

You should avoid planting chili peppers with mustard greens, kohlrabi, cabbage, fennel and apricots.

If you want to get more information about growing chilies in general, make sure to also check out my grower’s guide on how to grow chili peppers from seed to harvest.

About the Author

My name is Andreas and I’m really passionate about our environment and also about growing plants. In fact, I have grown several different plants over many years. I love to see my plants grow and also always try new things to improve my overall conditions at home.

In my blog posts, I want to share my experiences with you so that you can become successful in growing various different plants and improving your home as well, even though you might still be a beginner right now.

Pin It on Pinterest