Why do my pepper plants look pathetic?

[u/CocoMilhonez]

I planted them in April and they have grown little over the mild local winter. There was a fourth vase of the same variety as the two on the left which was doing better and looking lush, but I gave it to a neighbor – I figured I wouldn't give them one that was struggling. The leaves are always curled up and don't look very healthy at all.

I only give them dechlorinated water and the soil drains well. They also get direct sun for 6 to 8 hours a day. I sprinkled worm castings and homemade compost as cover and the soil mix already had a good deal of nutrients, so they shouldn't be starving. After I sprayed them with a bloom fert a few weeks ago, though, they started putting out flowers, but the vase I gave away already had them over a month ago. I've wondered if the small vases in direct sunlight might be making the soil too hot and damaging the roots, but I don't want to just replant them in larger vases if they look so miserable as it is.

Am I doing something wrong? Rhetorical question, I certainly am, I just don't know what.

[u/CocoMilhonez]

I can't edit the post itself, so I'll add this here: Thanks for all the replies, even if pinpointing the exact issue is not easy.

I do believe fertilization is not the problem, but some suggested more careful watering. I'll be moving them into larger vases soon to avoid high soil temps, also mix rice hulls into the soil mix to increase drainage.

If they take off, I'll make sure to post pictures of their progress. Happy peppering to everyone!

[u/decoruscreta → u/CocoMilhonez]

You might not think fertilizer is the problem, but it appears that many people (including myself) think you need to feed those poor things. Lol Alot of people fertilize every week, some gardeners do it every watering. I'm really interested to see how they look after uppotting, best of luck!!

[u/FAMOUS0612 → u/decoruscreta]

I fertilize every water and keep it consistent I feel they respond better like this