Jalapeño
Capsicum annuum
Family: Solanaceae
Jalapeño grows in full sun and prefers well-drained fertile soil. Water needs: Moderate.
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How to Grow Jalapeño
Jalapeño growing information includes sunlight requirements of Full sun, soil conditions listed as Well-drained fertile soil with a soil pH of 6.0-6.8, and Moderate water needs. The listed hardiness zones are 9-11. For propagation reference, the database lists germination or establishment information for Jalapeño as 7-14 days, with planting or establishment depth listed as 1/4 inch. Days to maturity are listed as 70-85 days.
Plant Overview
Jalapeño (Capsicum annuum) is listed in the Solanaceae family and categorized as a vegetable with an annual life cycle. This profile summarizes growing information for hardiness, light, soil, water, seed starting, maturity, and other available cultivation details. Difficulty is listed as Beginner.
- Plant ID
- PLT-0003
- Family
- Solanaceae
- Plant type
- Vegetable
- Life cycle
- Annual
- Alternate names
- Hot pepper; chili pepper
- Growth habit
- Bushy herbaceous plant
- Mature height
- Approximately 2-3 ft
- Mature spread
- Approximately 18-24 inches
- Difficulty
- Beginner
Growing Conditions
Jalapeño is listed for full sun conditions. Water needs are listed as moderate. The database soil reference is Well-drained fertile soil. The listed soil pH range is 6.0-6.8, and the listed hardiness range is 9-11.
- Hardiness zones
- 9-11
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil
- Well-drained fertile soil
- Soil pH
- 6.0-6.8
- Water needs
- Moderate
- Temperature range
- Best growth generally around 70-90°F
- Plant spacing
- 18-24 inches
Seed & Germination
For seed starting, the listed germination time is 7-14 days and the seed depth is 1/4 inch. The listed time to maturity is 70-85 days. Use these values as general reference points and adjust for local climate, seed source, and growing conditions.
- Germination
- 7-14 days
- Germination temperature
- About 75-85°F
- Seed depth
- 1/4 inch
- Start indoors
- Usually 8-10 weeks before the last expected frost
- Transplanting
- Move outdoors after frost danger has passed and soil has warmed
Harvest & Propagation
- Days to maturity
- 70-85 days
- Harvest
- Harvest green or allow fruits to mature and change color
- Propagation
- Primarily by seed
- Pollination
- Self-fertile flowers; insect activity can improve fruit set
Garden Information
- Common pests
- Aphids, flea beetles, whiteflies and spider mites
- Uses
- Fresh eating, sauces, pickling, drying and cooking
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Growing Reference Note
Plant performance can vary with climate, soil, weather, cultivar, seed quality, and gardening methods. The values on this page are general database reference ranges rather than a substitute for local extension guidance or seed-packet instructions.