How to Grow Jalapeño Peppers in your own garden.
This is especially nice when you want great tasting peppers at any time.
How to Grow Jalapeño Peppers
Jalapeño peppers are a colorful addition to most any garden.
I really like that these peppers are easy to grow and are also ether when I need one.
Did you see my article about How to Grow a Pizza Garden?
That garden idea is especially nice for anyone who likes to make or top their own pizza.
These peppers would go nicely in your pizza garden if you are a fan!
Did you know that there are grill racks specifically for Jalapeno peppers? you can find grill racks and more great ideas for peppers here.
People ask what are the benefits of eating jalapenos?
Most folks eat jalapeno peppers because they like them or a bit of spice with something else.
I have a recipe here for stuffed jalapeno peppers.
However, there are some healthy benefits for eating there peppers.
The experts tell use that jalapeno peppers are a good source for carotene (an antioxidant).
Also, these peppers have B, A, and C vitamins as well folate.
What does Jalapeno taste like?
Sometimes peppers get me more focused on the heat at first bite.
However, when placed in the right recipe and in the right amount, this pepper is perfect!
Here is what the jalapeno pepper tastes like to most folks.
Aside from any heat, there peppers taste like a rich green pepper.
But, when baked, these peppers get a bit milder and tend to take on the flavors around them (smoke etc).
Tips for growing jalapeno peppers.
The first thing you need to be aware of is the number of jalapeno varieties.
These varieties differ in in flavor, size, and shape.
Here is what else you should to consider.
- Selecting peppers to grow.
- Where and how to plant Jalapeno plants.
- How to take care of pepper plants.
- Harvesting your peppers.
How to select peppers to grow.
Start with what you like most.
That is, if you are going to eat it, it may be worth your while to grown.
Here is what else to consider when selecting pepper plants.
- I always tell folks to consider what grows best in your area. If you are unsure, head to your local garden store or University extension and ask them.
- Are you limited on space? There are varieties of this pepper that do well in container spots. I have a friend who brought theirs indoors during the cold weather months.
- Go to your local garden center to see what pre-planted pepper plants are available. This is an easy way to select your plant if you are unsure.
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Where and how to plant Jalapeno plants.
So, this is a plant that does best when planted when the temperature is above 60 degrees.
For this reason, it may be best to plant a started plant (seedlings) rather than placing seeds in the ground.
Here is how to plant pepper seedlings.
- Plant your seedlings in a location that gest full sun.
- Use a good organic soil for the plants.
- The soil should be well draining as these plants are sensitive to too much water.
- Space jalapeno plants 14 - 16 inches apart and about 2 -3 feet between rows if you are planting in rows.
How to take care of pepper plants
These plants like water but, not too much water.
Overwatering these plants can lead to rot.
Here is what else to keep in mind.
- Keep the area around the growing peppers weed-free by pulling the weeds and using mulch. However, the mulch should be added a few weeks after initially planting the plants.
- If you have planted a taller growing pepper, it may be a good idea to add a support such as a tomato cage.
- There are fertilizers that can be used for pepper plants. You can find jalapeno pepper plant friendly fertilizers here.. Read the packaging instruction for details.
Harvesting your peppers.
Once you peppers are mature, you can harvest them.
Use a pruning share or similar item to cut the pepper about ½" into the stem.
Here is how to know that you peppers are ready to harvest.
Most peppers are ready to pick after about three and a half months (give or take).
You will notice a sheen. Peppers start out out bright green and then darken in color- going to black and then red. You can pick the peppers at any stage (bright green to red) depending on how hot you want your peppers to be.
Final tips about growing Jalapeno peppers.
Measuring the heat of peppers.
If you want to be specific about the hotness of pepper, you can measure it. The Scoville Unit scale is used to describe the relative hotness of all types of peppers. Bell peppers are a zero while Habanero peppers are considered a ten by most chili experts .
Drying peppers.
Drying your peppers at home is a relatively easy process. There are three main ways of drying peppers. You may use an oven or a dehydrator or opt to air-dry your fruits. Drying peppers in an oven or dehydrator takes a much shorter time than air-drying but produces a less vibrantly colored fruit.
How to Grow Jalapeño Peppers, a simple guide to growing the best peppers that can be used in a variety of recipes.
