How to Grow Jalapeno Pepper From Seed

How long do jalapenos take to grow?

Jalapenos are usually ready to pick dark green at about 70 to 75 days from transplant. Leave them on the plant another two to three weeks and they ripen to bright red, becoming a little sweeter and often slightly hotter.

How hot is a jalapeno?

Jalapenos land at a medium heat of roughly 2,500 to 8,000 Scoville heat units. Removing the seeds and white ribs tames much of the burn, while stress from heat and dry spells can make the pods hotter and cause the pale corky lines called corking, which is harmless.

Should I pick jalapenos green or red?

Both are great. Green jalapenos give the familiar crisp, grassy bite for poppers, salsa, and pickling. Red, fully ripe pods are sweeter and richer and are what is smoke-dried to make chipotles. Picking often keeps the plant producing more.

How big does a jalapeno plant get?

Plants are compact and bushy, usually 24 to 36 inches tall, and are heavy producers. A small cage or stake keeps a fruit-laden plant upright, and jalapenos also do very well in containers on a sunny patio.