Description

Named after the city of Jalapa (Veracruz), Mexico, this chili is one of the most famous and popular chilies in Mexico and the United States.

Jalapeños are especially popular because of the juicy flesh of the pepper, which bursts with flavor. The fruits can grow up to 8 cm in length, have a thick fleshy outer layer and a characteristic rounded end. They often have a cracked cork-like surface, which Mexicans consider a sign of good quality. Unripe jalapeños are green, turning bright red when ripe. While jalapeños are still green, they are sometimes prone to dark spots, which disappear again when they ripen to a red color. Jalapeños are one of the few types of chile that taste great even in their green, unripe state. When they ripen to a red color, their taste becomes pleasantly sweet.

Their mild spicy heat makes jalapeños perfect for eating fresh, as well as for cooking, stuffing, pickling or grilling.

Cultivation: Germination temperature is between 22°C and 28°C (germination period: 6-20 days); therefore, the use of a greenhouse and a heating mat is recommended. Plants need fresh, well-fertilized, permeable soil and should not be left in standing water. Place them in a sunny, sheltered location with at least 6 hours of sunlight per day, if not more. Place the plants outside about 2 to 3 weeks after the last frost. When planting seedlings outdoors, make sure to leave at least 45 cm of space between each plant. After about 60-65 days, the green fruits can be harvested, the red jalapeños are ready to be picked for the first time after about 80-90 days. Individual plants bear about 30 fruits, but with good care they can be much more.

As of spring 2015, we also offer a wide range of pre-grown chili plants, including the popular jalapeño chili: Buy chili plants.

Species: Capsicum annuum
Contents: 10 seeds
Level: 5-6
Scoville: 2,500 – 8,000 SHU
Optimum germination temperature: 22 - 28 °C
Sowing: Jan – Apr
Flowers white: (May – August)
Growth habit: Bushy, 75-150 cm tall
Ripening: from green to red
Fruit appearance: elongated, round, approx. 3 x 7 cm
Maturation time: 80 – 90 days
Origin: Mexico