9 Tips for Growing Jalapeños: How to Grow Jalapeño Peppers

Jalapeño pepper plants are chili pepper cultivars of the Capsicum annuum species. Jalapeños belong to the same species as habaneros, bell peppers, and cayenne peppers. They also belong to the nightshade family of vegetables (Solanaceae), which includes eggplants and tomatoes. Jalapeño peppers are native to Central and South America. Jalapeños are the featured ingredient in many Mexican dishes and hot appetizers like jalapeño poppers.

Jalapeño peppers measure 2,500–8,000 on the Scoville scale, with a similar heat range as Fresno peppers (2,500–10,000 Scoville Heat Units) and a lot more spice than poblano (1,000–1,500 SHU) and bell peppers (0 SHU).

Jalapeños aren’t super-hot, compared to hotter peppers like serrano peppers (10,000–23,000 SHU), cayenne peppers (30,000–50,000 SHU), habanero peppers (100,000–350,000 SHU), and ghost peppers (855,000–1,041,427 SHU).

Keep your jalapeño plants healthy with these plant care tips.

1. 1. Use balanced, well-draining soil. Jalapeño pepper plants do best in well-balanced, loamy potting soil with a slightly acidic or neutral pH level.
2. 2. Plant outdoor jalapeños in the spring. When planting in your garden, plant your jalapeño seeds or young plants in the spring, or when soil temperatures reach a minimum of sixty-five degrees Fahrenheit. This minimum temperature is crucial for germination to succeed. Planting your jalapeño pepper plants after the last frost date is crucial because the seeds will not sprout if there is any sign of frost.
3. 3. Start jalapeños indoors with a seed tray. You can also germinate jalapeño seeds by growing them in a shallow seed tray in a warm, sunny spot in your home. If you want to start your seedlings well before the growing season begins in the spring, consider placing a seedling heating mat under the tray to jumpstart growth.
4. 4. Plant jalapeños in full sun. Jalapeño seedlings need plenty of direct sunlight to thrive. Supplement natural light with grow lights if you plan on planting your jalapeños indoors.
5. 5. Space your jalapeño plants appropriately. Plant jalapeño pepper seeds between fourteen and sixteen inches apart to give their roots enough room to spread. Cover the seeds with a quarter-inch of potting mix.
6. 6. Keep the soil moist. Aim to keep soil moist, but avoid overwatering which will cause wilting.

Consider a few general tips for growing jalapeño plants.

1. 1. Add mulch to maximize plant growth. Adding a layer of mulch and other organic matter around the base of the plants can offer supplemental nutrients and help retain essential soil moisture.
2. 2. Avoid overwatering your plants. While jalapeño plants do best in consistently moist soil, overwatering can lead to root rot. Aim to water your plants only when the top inch of soil becomes dry.
3. 3. Watch for pests. Aphids, cucumber beetles, and pepper hornworms are common pests known to attack pepper plants. Releasing predatory insects like ladybugs and regularly pulling weeds can keep these pests at bay. Should an infestation occur, physically remove the pests with a strong spray from your hose or apply a natural insecticide like neem oil.

Your jalapeño peppers should be ready for harvest within four to six months of planting.

1. 1. Wait for your peppers to turn dark green. Harvesting jalapeños requires an observant eye. Take note when your jalapeño pepper plants are shiny and approximately four to six inches long. Jalapeños are ready for harvest starting from when they are dark green but may also be harvested after they turn red. Your jalapeños should also be firm to the touch.
2. 2. Use clean pruning shears. Use clean, sharp pruners to snip off the jalapeño peppers, letting a short stem remain.
3. 3. Store jalapeños at room temperature. For maximum freshness, store jalapeños at room temperature and eat them within three days. You can also store them for up to one week in the refrigerator, or make them last for several months by pickling or freezing your jalapeños.

Grow your own garden with Ron Finley, the self-described "Gangster Gardener." Get the MasterClass Annual Membership and learn how to cultivate fresh herbs and vegetables, keep your house plants alive, and use compost to make your community—and the world—a better place.