How to Grow Jalapenos
Even if you’re a beginner, these peppers are your best friend. Growing jalapenos is easy because they’re trouble-free, and super productive. You can grow them in the ground or in containers. Just give them a little fertilizer, plenty of sun, and regular water. If you’re new to vegetable gardening or tired of fussy plants, make some room for jalapenos this season.
Jalapenos are Easy to Grow
If you’re new to gardening, jalapenos are the perfect place to start. These peppers are incredibly easy to grow, even if you don’t have a green thumb. They’re hardy, resilient, and don’t require a lot of fuss. Whether you have a spacious backyard or a tiny balcony, you can successfully grow jalapenos and enjoy their spicy fruits.
Perfect for Beginner Gardeners
Jalapenos are the ideal choice for beginner gardeners because they’re low-maintenance and forgiving. They don’t demand a lot of attention or special care. As long as you provide them with the basics – sun, water, and nutrients – they’ll thrive and produce an abundant harvest. Even if you make a few mistakes along the way, jalapenos are tough and will likely bounce back without any issues.
Grow in the Ground or Containers
One of the best things about jalapenos is their versatility. You can grow them directly in the ground or in containers, depending on your space and preferences. If you have a garden bed, simply choose a sunny spot and plant your jalapeno seedlings. If you’re short on space or want to keep your peppers close at hand, growing them in containers is a great option. Just make sure to choose a pot that’s at least 12 inches deep and wide to give your jalapeno plants room to grow.

How to Choose Your Variety
Now that you know how easy it is to grow jalapenos, it’s time to choose your variety. There are many different types of jalapenos to choose from, each with its own unique flavor profile and heat level. Some popular varieties include:
- Early Jalapeno: This variety is perfect for those who can’t wait to get their hands on some spicy peppers. It matures earlier than other varieties, so you can enjoy your harvest sooner.
- Mucho Nacho Jalapeno: If you’re a fan of nachos, this is the variety for you. It has a classic jalapeno flavor with a medium heat level, making it perfect for topping your favorite dishes.
- Purple Jalapeno: For a pop of color in your garden, try growing purple jalapenos. They have a slightly sweeter flavor than green jalapenos and look great in salads and salsas.
- Lemon Spice Jalapeno: If you want to mix things up, give lemon spice jalapenos a try. They have a unique citrusy flavor that pairs well with fish and chicken dishes.
When choosing your variety, consider your personal taste preferences and how you plan to use the peppers. Some varieties are better suited for fresh eating, while others are ideal for pickling or cooking. Don’t be afraid to experiment and try new varieties each year to find your favorites!
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Give Them What They Need
To ensure your jalapeno plants thrive and produce a bountiful harvest, you need to give them what they need. Here are the three key ingredients for growing healthy, productive jalapeno plants:
Plenty of Sun
Jalapenos love the sun, so make sure to plant them in a spot that gets at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day. If you’re growing them indoors, place them near a sunny window or use grow lights to provide enough light. The more sun your jalapeno plants get, the more peppers they’ll produce.
A Little Fertilizer Goes a Long Way
While jalapenos don’t require a lot of fertilizer, giving them a little boost can help them grow stronger and produce more peppers. Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer once a month during the growing season. Don’t overdo it, though – too much fertilizer can lead to leafy growth at the expense of fruit production.
Regular Water
Jalapenos need regular water to stay healthy and productive. Water your plants deeply and consistently, keeping the soil evenly moist but not soggy. Aim to water them once or twice a week, depending on your climate and the size of your plants. If you’re not sure whether your jalapenos need water, stick your finger about an inch into the soil – if it feels dry, it’s time to water.
By providing your jalapeno plants with plenty of sun, a little fertilizer, and regular water, you’ll be rewarded with a bumper crop of spicy, flavorful peppers.
Jalapenos Are Super Productive
One of the best things about growing jalapenos is how productive they are. A single plant can yield dozens of peppers throughout the growing season, giving you plenty of spicy goodness to enjoy fresh or preserve for later.

Expect a Big Harvest
When you give your jalapeno plants what they need, they’ll reward you with an impressive harvest. Depending on the variety and growing conditions, you can expect to harvest anywhere from 25 to 50 peppers per plant. That’s a lot of jalapenos! You’ll have enough to use in your favorite recipes, share with friends and family, and even preserve for the off-season.
Preserve Your Bounty
With such a big harvest, you might wonder what to do with all those jalapenos. Don’t worry – there are plenty of ways to preserve your bounty so you can enjoy them all year round. One popular method is pickling. You can slice your jalapenos and pickle them in a simple brine of vinegar, water, and salt. They’ll keep in the fridge for several months and make a tasty addition to sandwiches, tacos, and more.
Another option is to freeze your jalapenos. Simply slice or chop them, spread them out on a baking sheet, and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer bag or container and use them as needed in recipes. You can also dry your jalapenos in a dehydrator or low oven to make your own spicy seasoning powder.
With so many ways to preserve your jalapeno harvest, you’ll never have to worry about wasting a single pepper.
Troubleshooting Tips
While jalapenos are generally easy to grow, you may encounter a few issues along the way. Here are some common problems and how to deal with them:
Dealing with Pests
Jalapenos can fall victim to various pests, including aphids, whiteflies, and spider mites. These tiny critters can suck the life out of your plants, causing leaves to yellow and curl. To get rid of them, try spraying your plants with a strong jet of water or using an insecticidal soap. You can also introduce beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings, which feed on these pests.
Identifying Diseases
Like all plants, jalapenos can be susceptible to diseases. Some common ones include bacterial leaf spot, mosaic virus, and powdery mildew. These diseases can cause leaves to yellow, spot, or wilt, and can ultimately kill your plants. To prevent diseases, make sure to plant your jalapenos in well-draining soil and avoid getting water on the leaves. If you do notice signs of disease, remove affected leaves or plants to prevent it from spreading.
When Leaves Turn Yellow
If you notice your jalapeno leaves turning yellow, don’t panic. There are several possible causes, including nutrient deficiencies, overwatering, or pest damage. Check the soil moisture and adjust your watering schedule if needed. If the soil is dry, give your plants a deep drink. If it’s soggy, let it dry out before watering again. You can also try feeding your plants with a balanced fertilizer to correct any nutrient deficiencies.
FAQs
Jalapenos are considered a medium-hot pepper, with a Scoville rating of 2,500 to 8,000 heat units. That means they’re much spicier than bell peppers but milder than habaneros or ghost peppers. The heat level can vary depending on the variety and growing conditions, so be sure to taste a small piece before using them in recipes.
Yes, you can grow jalapenos indoors as long as you provide them with enough light and warmth. To be honest, though, I wouldn’t. They won’t ever be as happy as they would with the outdoor sun. Place your plants near a sunny window or use grow lights to ensure they get at least 6-8 hours of light per day. Keep the room temperature between 70-80ยฐF (21-27ยฐC) for optimal growth. Remember to water your plants regularly and fertilize them every few weeks.
Jalapeno peppers typically take 70-80 days to mature from seed to harvest. If you’re starting with seedlings, you can expect to harvest your first peppers in about 2 months. Jalapenos are ready to pick when they’re firm and glossy, typically 3-4 inches long. You can harvest them green or wait until they turn red for a slightly sweeter, milder flavor.
Time to Try Them
Now that you’ve learned all about growing jalapenos at home, it’s time to get out there and start planting!

By Katie Shaw
Katie lives in Virginia with her husband, three daughters, a chocolate lab, and over thirty chickens. She loves creating simple tutorials for sourdough, bread, and soap. Her recipes, articles, and YouTube videos reach millions of people per year.