🌶️ Capsicum annuum Chilli Pepper ‘Jalapeño’ – Classic Mild–Hot Mexican Pepper with High Yields

‘Jalapeño’ is one of the world’s most recognisable chilli peppers, producing thick-walled, glossy green fruits that ripen to deep red. With a mild–medium heat level (2,500–8,000 SHU), it is ideal for salsas, grilling, stuffing, pickling, and everyday cooking. Strong, compact plants are highly productive, offering a long harvest window both in green and fully ripened red stages. Performs exceptionally well in pots, greenhouses, and sunny patios.

Key Features

● Classic Mexican chilli – mild to medium heat

● Thick-walled fruits perfect for stuffing, pickling and grilling

● Harvest green or red for different flavours

● High-yielding, compact plants suitable for containers

● Long cropping season from mid-summer to autumn

How to Sow & Grow Chilli Pepper ‘Jalapeño’ (UK)

Sow indoors: II–IV (February–April) in trays or pots

Transplant outdoors: V–VI (May–June) once nights stay above 10 °C (50 °F)

Direct outdoors: Not recommended (needs warmth)

Harvest: VII–X (July–October)

Germination temperature: 24–28 °C (75–82 °F)

Average germ time: 10–20 days

Depth: 0.5 cm (¼ in)

Light required: Yes

Moisture: Keep soil evenly moist; avoid waterlogging

Environment: Full sun

Soil type: Fertile, well-drained compost; pH 6.0–7.0

Plant spacing: 40 × 40 cm (16 × 16 in)

Height: 60–90 cm (24–36 in)

Sowing & Growing Tips (variety-specific)

● Provide bottom heat for faster germination.

● Pot on seedlings gradually to avoid stress.

● Feed weekly with tomato fertiliser once fruiting starts.

● Support branches when heavily loaded with fruit.

● Harvest regularly to encourage continuous cropping.

Special Features

● Traditional, authentic chilli for Mexican cuisine

● Reliable and productive even in UK summers

● Versatile — harvest green for fresh use or red for heat and sweetnes