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Thejalapeno pepperis an edible chili or pepper known for its medium-hot spice level.
They’re grown in the same manner as other peppers, though they are typically harvested when green.
You also can start seeds indoors around eight to 10 weeks before your area’s last projected frost date.
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Young plants can be transplanted into the garden once nighttime temperatures are reliably above 60 degrees Fahrenheit.
Direct sowing seeds in the garden can be challenging.
They can grow in the ground or in containers.
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The soil should be organically rich and have sharp drainage.
Similar pests also can infest all members of the nightshade family.
Nursery plants should be situated at the same depth they were growing in their containers.
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Cover seeds with about 1/4 inch of soil.
Soil
The ideal soil for jalapeno peppers is fertile, moist, and well-drained.
A slightly acidic to neutral soil pH is best.
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The peppers don’t do well in dense, soggy soil.
If growing peppers in containers, any rich, general-purpose potting mix that drains well should be sufficient.
Water
Unlike some other members of the nightshade family, jalapeno peppers need lots of water.
A thick layer of mulch will help to conserve soil moisture.
A moderate humidity level is ideal for these plants.
Fertilizer
Peppers are heavy feeders.
Types of Jalapeno Peppers
Over time, breeders have introduced a number of pepper varieties.
Jalapeno peppers vary in size, color, and the amount of heat they provide.
Some popular varieties include:
Jalapeno vs. Serrano Peppers
Serrano peppers also are a variety within theC.
Jalapeno and serrano peppers are similar in appearance and flavor.
Serranos are generally slightly smaller.
But the real difference between the two varieties is their heat.
Serranos pack approximately five times more heat into their fruits than jalapenos do.
If left on the plant to fully ripen, the peppers will be sweeter but still hot and tasty.
Snip off the peppers with pruners, leaving a bit of stem on each fruit.
Do not pull fruit off plants, as you may break fragile stems.
The peppers won’t survive even a hint of frost.
If you’re growing in a container, you might move the entire container indoors to continue growing.
The peppers can beeaten fresh or cooked.
You also can freeze peppers, as well as dry them, for later use.
How to Grow Jalapenos in Pots
Jalapeno peppers grow well in containers.
Be sure the container has ample drainage holes.
An unglazed clay pot is ideal because it will allow excess soil moisture to escape through its walls.
Container growth allows you to move your plants around to give them optimal sunlight.
Pruning
Jalapeno plants generally won’tneed pruning.
But if you see suckers popping up around the base of the plant, trim them off.
This will allow the plant to put its energy into the main stems that will produce the most fruits.
Propagating Jalapenos
Jalapeno plants are commonly grown from seeds or nursery plants.
But they also can be propagated via cuttings.
The best time to take a cutting is in the early summer.
A seedling heating mat can help control the temperature.
Germination can take two to three weeks.
Continue to keep the soil moist for the seedlings.
When the seedlings have two sets of true leaves, pot up into a larger container with potting soil.
Keep it by a bright window, preferably a south-facing one.
And protect it from drafts, as well as dry air from heating vents.
Water whenever the top inch of soil dries out.
Pinch back the stems if the plant starts to get leggy due to lack of light.
Many of them are common to other members of the nightshade family.
Jalapeno seeds will grow to produce harvestable fruits in about three to four months.
Growing one pepper plant per 3- or 5-gallon bucket is ideal.
you’re free to grow more plants per bucket in bigger buckets.
