Like all pepper varieties, jalapenos are a warm-season vegetable that matures during the heat of summer. Before planting jalapeño seedlings in the garden, take them outside to harden off under dappled shade for approximately 10 days. It’s easy to miss the window for starting seeds inside. If you sprouted seeds in a baggie, carefully cut the piece of towel with the seedling. Most garden centers start stocking jalapeño pepper transplants in spring. When planting the peppers in spring, provide plenty of bottom heat to the germination pots. Avoid over-saturating or super-wet soil for both indoor and outdoor jalapeño pepper plants. Set in a warm area for 14 days then open the bag and towel to check the seeds for germination. Sow the seeds in peat pots or flats filled with moist seed-starting soil. Growing your own jalapeño peppers in the garden allows you to enjoy their spicy kick in homemade salsa and other recipes that call for this fiery vegetable. Plant Seeds Directly Outside EARLY Plant directly outside under a homemade mini greenhouse and create your own ecosystem that keeps the seed moist and protected despite unpredictable temperatures. Remove the gloves or wash your hands thoroughly before touching your eyes or face. Jalapenos labeled as heirloom or open-pollinated produce true seed. You may even get a better germination rate than you would if you were starting the same seeds indoors. Shake the seeds out into a small bowl. Create an indoor environment that includes between 13 to 16 hours of natural or artificial light. Before being planted into the garden, transplants should be “ hardened off “ outdoors in a sheltered area: 7 to 10 days before transplanting, set the seedlings outdoors in dappled shade that is protected from wind for a few hours each day, gradually increasing their exposure to full sun and windy conditions. How to Grow Peppers in Only Compost & Peat Moss, Fine Gardening: How to Grow Chile Peppers. Guide to Planting Jalapenos. Like sweet bell peppers, jalapeño peppers can be harvested when large, firm and still green. Wrap 10 seeds in a damp paper towel then place the paper towel in a plastic bag. Jalapeño peppers should be planted outdoors during the spring when the soil temperature reaches about 65 degrees Fahrenheit; the peppers are sensitive to cooler temperatures at night. Fill the bowl with lukewarm water and swish the seeds around, loosening any pulp attached to the seeds. Wrap 10 seeds in a damp paper towel then place the paper towel in a plastic bag. Grow your jalapeno peppers indoors and transplant them outdoors after 8-12 weeks. Her published articles have appeared in various print and online publications. Scatter the seeds over the surface of the soil; then cover them with a 1/4-inch-thick layer of soil. The jalapeño pepper plant is relatively hardy, but it can be vulnerable to certain pests, including aphids, mealy bugs, scale and whitefly. Jalapeños grown indoors require similar light and warmth. Harrington's specialties include small business information, crafting, decorating and gardening. Previously, she owned her own business, selling handmade items online, wholesale and at crafts fairs. Set in a warm area for 14 days then open the bag and towel to check the seeds for germination. If more than five of the seeds are sprouted with visible roots, the jalapeno seeds are viable for planting. Healthy jalapeño peppers require plenty of room to grow, flourish and thrive, along with a considerable amount of light. Store in a cool, dry place until you are ready to plant the peppers. To start growing jalapeño from seed, sow the seed at least 10 weeks before setting them into the garden in early to mid-March. Seeds that are not viable also float. You can use stakes to support the top weight if needed. Slit open mature jalapeno peppers with the tip of a knife. Fill the bowl with lukewarm water and swish the seeds around, loosening any pulp attached to the seeds. Alternately, place the jalapeno seeds in a sealed glass jar and store in the refrigerator. Moisten a sterile seed-starting mix and fill the containers about 3/4 full. Growing jalapeño peppers (Capsicum annuum) is relatively easy, making them a good option for all levels of gardeners, from beginners to advanced. Then, plant the seedling under a light layer of mix. Spread the jalapeno seeds out on the wax paper and place them in a warm, well-ventilated room for two to three days to dry. Seeds should germinate in about 10 days, and they do best in temperatures of around 80 degrees. Check the seeds for germination 10 to 15 days before spring planting. Any gardener who has ever cursed an effusive self-seeding plant knows that some seeds do very well when left outside in the cold all winter. They are fairly easy to grow … Instructions For best results, start seeds indoors. The seeds must be started indoors in most areas in order to ensure the growing season is long enough for the peppers to mature. It’s best to wait until at least two weeks after planting tomatoes to plant jalapeno peppers in the garden. Jalapeno peppers (Capsicum annuum) are a common ingredient in Mexican cuisine, adding spice to any dish. Crystal is a certified yoga instructor and freelance writer, covering wellness, health, lifestyle, beauty and fitness. Jalapenos thrive in warm conditions and need temperatures between 65 and 80 F. (18-27 C.) to germinate. Plant the jalapeño seeds or seedlings into rich soil and maintain watering to keep the soil thoroughly moist. The seed lies dormant all winter and is ready to sprout the first chance it gets, in the spring. Starting the seeds this early means they’ll be ready for transplanting outside when the weather warms up. Jalapeno peppers germinate best at temperatures between 70 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Learn which plants thrive in your Hardiness Zone with our new interactive map! Line a baking sheet or tray with wax paper. Jenny Harrington has been a freelance writer since 2006. Identifying and treating the infestation as early as possible with the least toxic option is the best bet in growing and maintaining healthy jalapeño peppers. Check the seeds for germination 10 to 15 days before spring planting. Skim the floating plant matter from top of the water then pour the contents of the bowl through cheesecloth to strain out the remaining water. Plan the perfect garden with our interactive tool →, baby Jalapeno chilli pepper plants in nature image by Elena Moiseeva from, University of Minnesota Extension: Saving Vegetable Seed. If you're growing jalapeño peppers indoors, place the seedling trays on a heated pad. Spread the jalapeno seeds out on the wax paper and place them in a warm, well-ventilated room for two to three days to dry. When you plant jalapeños in the garden, leave enough space for the peppers to grow. Ensure the garden soil is warm enough to plant by putting down mulch just after it has been tilled in the spring. You can find jalapeno pepper seeds at your local nursery or online. All Rights Reserved. Cut jalapeños directly from the plant to prevent damaging them. Growing jalapeño indoors is also a possibility if you don’t have access to an outdoor vegetable garden or live in an unsuitable climate: Jalapeño peppers are a tropical plant. Or, if you're using a container, plant one jalapeño pepper plant per 5-gallon pot. Only use seeds from nonhybrid pepper varieties. Depending on the area, the final frost may be anywhere from March to May. While indoors, keep the jalapeno seedlings moist, but do not over water them.