Jalapeno
Capsicum annuum
The jalapeno is a chili pepper, a cultivar of Capsicum annuum that bears green pods ripening to red. It is easy to grow and productive in warm, sunny conditions.
- Light
- Full sun
- Water
- Moderate; let surface dry between waterings
- Difficulty
- Easy
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Overview
The jalapeno is one of the world's most familiar chili peppers, a cultivar of Capsicum annuum named for the Mexican town of Xalapa. Its pods are usually picked green but turn red when fully ripe.
Compact and prolific, jalapeno plants are well suited to garden beds, raised beds and containers in warm climates or as summer annuals elsewhere.
How to identify it
- Habit: Bushy, branching plant typically 60-90 cm (2-3 ft) tall
- Leaves: Smooth, oval, glossy green
- Flowers: Small, white, star-shaped, nodding
- Fruit: Firm, smooth, tapering pods about 5-9 cm (2-3.5 in) long, deep green ripening to red
- Corking: Mature pods often show fine pale lines (corking) on the skin, a sign of maturity
Care & growing
Light: Full sun for the most flowers and fruit.
Water: Keep soil moderately moist; let the surface dry slightly between waterings.
Soil: Well-drained, fertile loam; pH 6.0-6.8.
Temperature: Warm-loving; thrives at 21-29°C (70-85°F). Start seed indoors 8-10 weeks before the last frost.
Feeding: Moderate feeder; avoid excess nitrogen, which favors leaves over fruit. A balanced or slightly higher-potassium feed suits flowering.
Propagation: From seed; transplant out once nights stay warm.
Habitat & origin
Jalapenos and their Capsicum annuum relatives originate in Mexico and Central America, where peppers have been cultivated for thousands of years.
Mexico remains the heartland of jalapeno production, especially the states of Chihuahua and Veracruz, but the pepper is now grown commercially and in gardens across warm and temperate regions worldwide.
Frequently asked questions
What is the white corking on jalapenos?
Those fine tan lines on the skin are a normal sign of pod maturity.
Can I grow jalapenos in pots?
Yes, they do very well in containers of about 3-5 gallons placed in full sun, making them ideal for patios and balconies.
How tall does a jalapeno plant grow?
Plants are bushy and branching, typically reaching about 60-90 cm (2-3 ft) tall.
Where did the jalapeno originate?
It originates in Mexico and Central America, where Capsicum annuum peppers have been cultivated for thousands of years.
Jalapeno guides
In-depth guides for identifying, growing, and caring for Jalapeno.
