# Jalapeño

Source: https://shop.homegrowngardenschicago.com/product/jalape/
Published: 2024-02-28
Updated: 2026-03-18

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## **JALAPEÑO PEPPER (*Capsicum annuum*)**

**Transplant | Mid–Late May | Annual**

Jalapeño peppers are one of the most popular and versatile chili peppers, known for their balanced heat and fresh, bright flavor. The smooth, thick-walled peppers grow 2–4 inches long and mature from green to deep red, producing abundant harvests throughout the summer.

With a medium level of heat, jalapeños are perfect for fresh salsas, pickling, stuffing, grilling, and everyday cooking. Their crisp texture and bold flavor make them a staple in home gardens and kitchens alike.

Highly productive and easy to grow, jalapeño plants produce reliable yields and thrive in both raised beds and container gardens.

## Growing Details

**Spice Level:** Medium\
**Scoville Heat Units:** 2,500–8,000 SHU\
**Harvest:** Harvest when peppers are firm and deep green for classic flavor, or allow to ripen red for a sweeter, more complex taste\
**Plant Spacing:** 2 ft\
**Sun:** Full sun\
**Cold Tolerance:** Warm-season crop; plant after danger of frost

## Garden Companions

**Best planted with:**\
Basil, tomatoes, onions, carrots, oregano

**Benefits:**\
Companion plants attract beneficial insects and support healthy garden growth.

**Avoid planting near:**\
Fennel, which may inhibit pepper growth.

## Pro Growing Tips

• Harvest frequently to encourage continued fruit production\
• Green peppers offer brighter heat, while red peppers are sweeter and slightly milder\
• Thick walls make them excellent for stuffing and grilling\
• Thrives in warm soil with consistent sunlight

## Health Highlights

**Vitamin-rich peppers**\
Jalapeños provide vitamins A and C along with beneficial antioxidants.

**Capsaicin benefits**\
Moderate heat may support metabolism and circulation.

**Low-calorie flavor boost**\
Adds bold flavor and heat to dishes with very few calories.

*Pre-order now for productive summer transplants ready for planting after the last frost.*