Jalapeno Pepper
(Capsicum annuum)
Start these in small individual pots and water regularly to give them a head start in the dry season. Seeds require warmth to germinate (78 degrees is perfect). Transplant them deeply as soon as summer rains start. If planted in well amended soil, and watering with some worm tea from time to time, these things really produce.
Stems are green with a purple hue on joints and on base. Peppers are green, then turn to red if you don't use them fast enough. Flowers are white.
These mature in about 70 days after transplanting into the garden. Well cared for Jalapeno pepper plants can grow as perennials here in SW Florida if protected from frost. Grow in a pot to bring indoors if there is frost or prune severely and cover with both a pot then a sheet.
Jalapeno peppers can be used raw, dried, smoked, roasted, made into jelly, and pickled/canned. Add a whole jalapeno pepper to simmering a soup then remove it before serving. Excess peppers can be sliced and covered with pure vinegar and stored in the refrigerator until they are needed.
Use gloves when handling these peppers or be sure not to touch your eyes, mouth, and tender skin.
To ensure these peppers are HOT, plant them AWAY from your sweet pepper plants
