Sweet pepper 'Jalapeño'
Capsicum annuum 'Jalapeño' · Solanaceae
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant sweet pepper 'jalapeño': set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.
ID card
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Flowering
- Summer (June to September)
- Adult size
- 60 to 90 cm in height
- Growth
- Fast to moderate
- Hardiness
- Annual plant (frost-tender, cold-sensitive)
- Origin
- Mexico
- Soil type
- Rich, well-draining, slightly acidic to neutral
Care
Light
Your jalapeño needs a very sunny location, with at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal fruit production. A south or southwest-facing spot is ideal. Insufficient light slows growth and significantly reduces yield.
Watering
Water regularly, keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged: 2 to 3 times per week during warm periods. Let the soil dry out slightly between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering in winter if you're growing the plant indoors.
Soil
Use rich, well-draining potting mix enriched with compost or organic matter. A slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.0 to 7.0) is optimal. In containers, a quality substrate for vegetables or Mediterranean plants works perfectly.
Fertilizing
Apply a balanced fertilizer (NPK) every 15 days during the growing and flowering period (April to September). You can also use a specific fertilizer for fruiting plants. Reduce applications in winter.
Pruning and maintenance
Pinch back young plants to encourage branching and a bushy shape. Remove flowers for the first 2 to 3 weeks to strengthen the structure. Regularly remove damaged or yellowing leaves at the base of the plant.
Diseases and pests
Watch for spider mites and whiteflies, particularly in indoor cultivation or greenhouses. Powdery mildew can occur with excess humidity and poor air circulation. Ensure good air movement and avoid wetting the foliage.
Did you know?
The jalapeño gets its name from the Mexican city of Xalapa (Veracruz), and remains one of the world's most popular chili peppers thanks to its balance between heat and flavor. Historically, peppers revolutionized cuisines worldwide after the Conquest, transforming regions as diverse as Thailand, India, and North Africa.
Where to buy it
Best planted in spring or autumn, away from frost and heatwaves. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, April, May, September, October.
Add this plant to my garden →Plants from the same family
- TomatoSolanum lycopersicum
- Sweet pepperCapsicum annuum
- EggplantSolanum melongena
- Cape gooseberryPhysalis peruviana
- Night jessamineCestrum nocturnum
- Potato vineSolanum laxum
Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.