That pepper definitely has a "bell butt".
Perfect for keeping it upright after it's been stuffed.
I tried using peat this year but I guess I got a bad batch? It was cheap, a bale from Lowe's, and was basically powder. Definitely made "peat pudding" as I've heard it referred to elsewhere. I opened the bag from the bottom and kept hoping I'd reach the "good stuff" eventually but never did.
I've given up on "bark fines". Screened mulch seems to work well enough!