How to Plant Jalapeno Peppers in a Garden

Plant jalapeno peppers in the garden to enjoy the fresh vegetable during the growing season.

Jalapeno peppers add hot and spicy flavor to many dishes. The peppers are high in folic acid, potassium and fiber. Instead of purchasing your jalapeno peppers, you can grow them in your home garden. A single jalapeno pepper plant can grow close to 35 peppers in one season. Once you harvest the peppers, you can store them in the refrigerator or prepare them for the freezer so that you can enjoy them after the growing season passes.

Things You'll Need

• Seed starting pots
• Commercial potting soil
• Testing kit for pH
• Balanced 15-15-15 fertilizer

Instructions

1. Sow jalapeno pepper plants in individual seed starting pots. Plant them in commercial potting soil 1/4 inch deep.

2. Place the pepper seeds in a sunny location such as a south facing window. The peppers will thrive best in a temperatures around 80 degrees Fahrenheit.

3. Water the seeds to keep the soil moist. Do not overwater the soil to prevent diseases such as root rot from developing.

4. Select a sunny location for the jalapeno pepper plants. The plants will thrive well in soil with a pH level around 6.5. You can test the soil acidity with a pH testing kit at your local garden center.

5. Add a balanced 15-15-15 fertilizer to the soil. Follow the ratios on the fertilizer bag to determine how much to add.

6. Transplant the jalapeno seedlings outdoors once they reach 4 to 6 inches tall. Cover the roots with the soil and pack the soil down around the plant. Space the jalapeno plants 1 1/2 to 2 feet apart in rows that are spaced 14 to 18 inches apart.

7. Water the soil to keep the jalapeno plants well watered. Water the plants frequently in periods of dry weather.

8. Apply the fertilizer to the soil again when the peppers begin to grow. You will need to follow the directions on the package to ensure that you apply it properly.

9. Harvest the jalapeno peppers when they are 3 to 4 inches long. They will look deep green in color and they will feel firm.

Tips & Warnings

• Wear gloves when handling the jalapeno peppers to prevent irritation to your skin and eyes.

References

• University of Illinois: Peppers
• Colorado State University: Growing Peppers is Fun
• Texas A&M University: Jalapeño and Other Hot Peppers
• Clemson University: Pepper
• University of Arkansa: Peppers
• University of Kentucky: Hot Peppers & Specialty Sweet Peppers