Growing jalapenos from store bought peppers is absolutely possible. Many gardeners have had great success planting seeds collected from fresh jalapenos purchased at the grocery store. With a little bit of knowledge and care, you can grow a bountiful crop of jalapenos from peppers bought at your local supermarket.
Can you plant seeds from store bought jalapenos?
Yes, you can certainly plant seeds harvested from store bought jalapeno peppers. The seeds contain the genetic material needed to grow into new jalapeno plants. As long as the peppers are fresh, the seeds should be viable for planting.
When collecting seeds from store bought peppers, choose fruits that are firm, glossy, and free of blemishes. Avoid old, wrinkled peppers as the seeds likely won’t sprout. Gently cut open the pepper and scoop out the seeds. Be sure to remove any of the white placental tissue surrounding the seeds as this can harbor disease.
After extracting the seeds, rinse them under running water and allow them to air dry completely before storing or planting. Properly dried seeds can remain viable for 2-3 years when stored in a cool, dark place.
How to plant jalapeno seeds
Jalapeno seeds can be started indoors or directly outdoors depending on your climate. Here are some tips for planting store bought jalapeno seeds:
- Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before your last expected frost date. Plant seeds 1/4 inch deep in seed starting mix.
- Keep soil moist and provide plenty of light. Seedlings emerge in 7-12 days at 70-80°F.
- Harden off plants for 7-10 days before transplanting seedlings outside after danger of frost has passed.
- For direct sowing, wait 2-3 weeks after your last frost date. Sow seeds 1/4 inch deep and 12-18 inches apart.
- Seeds germinate in 5-21 days when soil temperatures reach 65°F.
Growing conditions for jalapenos
Jalapenos thrive when grown in full sun and fertile, well-draining soil with a pH between 6.0-7.0. They need at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day.
Space plants 18-24 inches apart in all directions. Water one inch per week, adjusting as needed based on rainfall. Take care not to overwater as jalapenos are prone to root rot in soggy soil.
Apply a balanced vegetable fertilizer once every 2-4 weeks during the growing season. Side dress with compost or manure to encourage fruiting.
Caring for jalapeno plants
With proper care and favorable growing conditions, jalapeno plants will produce an abundant harvest. Here are some tips for looking after your jalapeno plants:
- Pinch off early flowers. When plants are young, pinch off any buds to promote vegetative growth. Allow flowering to commence when plants reach 12-15 inches tall.
- Water regularly. Give plants 1-2 inches of water per week. Avoid overhead watering to minimize disease.
- Weed and mulch. Keep plants free of weeds which compete for water and nutrients. Apply 2-3 inches of organic mulch to conserve moisture.
- Fertilize occasionally. Use a balanced vegetable fertilizer every 2-4 weeks to fuel plant growth and fruiting.
- Support heavy branches. Use tomato cages or staking to prevent sprawling branches from breaking.
With some simple maintenance, your jalapeno plants will produce plentiful peppers all season long.
Troubleshooting jalapeno plant problems
Growing jalapenos does come with some potential challenges. Here are some common problems and solutions:
Yellowing leaves
Yellow leaves often indicate a nitrogen deficiency. Apply a nitrogen-rich fertilizer or side dress with compost to green up plants.
Blossom end rot
Dark sunken spots on pepper tips are caused by inconsistent watering. Maintain even soil moisture and avoid drought stress.
Curled, puckered leaves
Leaf curl can be caused by insect pests like aphids or disease. Check undersides of leaves and apply insecticidal soap or neem oil if pests are found.
Wilting plants
Sudden wilting can signal root rot from overwatering. Allow soil to dry between waterings and improve drainage if necessary.
Promptly identifying and addressing any problems will keep your jalapeno plants happy and productive.
When and how to harvest jalapenos
Jalapenos require around 60-80 days to mature after transplanting. Peppers are typically ready for picking 75-85 days after seeds are sown.
Use these guidelines to determine when to harvest jalapenos:
- Pick peppers when they reach 2-3 inches long for mild flavor.
- Allow peppers to size up to 4 inches long for increased heat.
- Harvest peppers while still green and glossy before they start to redden.
- Use pruners or garden shears for a clean cut that won’t damage plants.
- Leave the calyx and some stem attached to prolong storage time.
For the highest quality, pick peppers as soon as they are ripe. Check plants daily once fruits start maturing. The more frequently you harvest, the more the plant will produce until first frost.
Storing fresh jalapenos
Fresh picked jalapenos will keep for 1-3 weeks when stored properly. Follow these storage tips:
- Leave peppers whole with stems attached. Do not wash before storing.
- Place unwashed peppers in a perforated plastic bag in the warmest area of your refrigerator.
- Maintain a humidity level of around 90% to prevent shriveling.
- Use within 3 weeks for best flavor, texture, and heat.
Store only firm, unblemished peppers free of soft spots or molds. Discard any peppers that show signs of spoilage as they can cause the rest to deteriorate faster.
Preserving jalapenos
Have a bountiful harvest? Jalapenos are excellent candidates for preservation:
- Freezing – Blanch peppers, slice or dice, pack into freezer bags or containers leaving headspace. Keeps 6-12 months.
- Pickling – Pickle sliced jalapenos in vinegar brine. Will last 1-2 years refrigerated.
- Drying – Dry rings or slices until brittle in a dehydrator or oven. Store in airtight container for months.
- Hot sauce – Puree peppers into hot sauce. Fill sterilized bottles and refrigerate for several months.
Preserving lets you enjoy jalapenos year-round. Experiment with different methods to find your favorites.
Conclusion
Growing jalapenos from store bought peppers is simple and rewarding. With proper care, plants grown from supermarket jalapeno seeds can yield a prolific harvest.
Save seeds from fresh jalapenos, start them indoors or direct sow, and provide plants with sun, water, and nutrients. Harvest peppers promptly for the best flavor.
Troubleshoot problems quickly to keep plants healthy and productive. Preserve your bountiful harvest by freezing, pickling, drying, or making hot sauce so you can enjoy homegrown jalapenos all year.