Hot Pepper Big Jim Seeds

About Hot Pepper Big Jim Seeds

'Big Jim' is a legendary New Mexico chile (Capsicum annuum) famous for producing some of the longest pods in the pepper world—often 10 to 12 inches. These Big Jim pepper seeds grow into heavy-yielding plants loaded with mild-to-medium heat pods (about 500–2,000 Scoville), perfect for roasting, stuffing, and classic Hatch-style green chile. Meaty walls and rich, smoky-sweet flavor make it a Southwest kitchen staple.

Who it's for

Ideal for gardeners who love New Mexico and Hatch-style green chile and want big, roastable pods with gentle, family-friendly heat.

How & when to plant

Start seeds indoors 8–10 weeks before your last frost. Sow 1/4 inch deep and keep soil warm at 75–85°F; germination takes 10–21 days. Transplant outdoors once nights stay above 55°F, spacing plants 18–24 inches apart in full sun. Peppers grow as annuals in most regions and are best in USDA zones 4–11 with a long, warm season.

Harvest

Pods reach full size in about 75–80 days for green chile and roughly 100 days for red-ripe. Pick green for roasting and peeling, or leave on the plant to redden for a sweeter, hotter flavor. Cut pods with scissors to avoid breaking branches.

Benefits & uses

Big Jim is the go-to pepper for roasting and peeling into green chile, chiles rellenos, sauces, and stews. Its length and thick flesh also make it excellent for stuffing and freezing after roasting.

Frequently asked questions

How hot is Big Jim?
It's mild to medium—roughly 500–2,000 Scoville, similar to a mild Anaheim.

When do I pick for green chile?
Harvest at full size while still green, around 75–80 days from transplant.

Can I grow Big Jim in a container?
Yes, use a 5-gallon or larger pot in full sun and support the tall, pod-heavy plants.

Growing guide: New to this variety? Read our full guide, How to Grow Big Jim Pepper From Seed, for step by step sowing, spacing, and harvest tips.