When to Plant Jalapeño Peppers

The Short Answer

How to Grow Jalapeño Peppers

Jalapeños are the most popular hot pepper in America and one of the easiest to grow. Each plant produces 25-35 peppers per season — 2-3 plants provide enough for fresh eating, salsa making, and a batch of pickled jalapeños. The heat level varies widely by growing conditions: stressed plants (less water, more sun) produce hotter peppers. Cork-like striations on the skin (called 'corking') indicate a hotter pepper. Pick green for classic jalapeño heat, or let them ripen red on the plant for sweeter, more complex flavor with slightly more heat. Chipotles are simply smoke-dried red jalapeños.

Starting Seeds Indoors

Begin jalapeño peppers seeds indoors 8 weeks before your average last frost date. Seeds need soil temperatures of at least 65°F to germinate, which typically takes 10-14 days. Provide 14 hours of light per day using a south-facing window or grow lights.

Transplanting

Move seedlings outside 2 weeks after your last frost date, once soil temperatures reach 65°F. Harden off seedlings for 10 days before transplanting by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions.

Growing Tips

Pick green for mild heat, let turn red on the plant for more complex, sweeter heat. Stress from slight underwatering increases capsaicin. One plant produces 25-35 peppers per season.

Companion Planting

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Jalapeño Peppers Planting Dates by State

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Last reviewed: March 29, 2026