Jalapeño M Hot Pepper Seeds – Classic Mexican Chili (Capsicum annuum)

Jalapeño M Hot Pepper – Classic Mexican Chili

Capsicum annuum | Annual | 75 Days to Maturity

The world’s most iconic chili pepper, the Jalapeño M is named after Xalapa, Veracruz — the Mexican city where it originates. A cornerstone of both Mexican and American cuisine, this prolific variety produces 3–4 inch tapered, dark green fruits that ripen to red, with a clean, moderate heat (2,000–5,000 SHU) and a bright, vegetal flavor. When smoked and dried, jalapeños become chipotles — a practice dating to the Aztecs. Texas, the leading jalapeño-producing state, enshrined it as the official state pepper in 1995. Expect an extended, productive harvest from compact 24–48 inch plants.

Plant Details

• Species: Capsicum annuum
• Type: Classic Jalapeño – Heirloom
• Days to Maturity: 75 days from transplant
• Fruit Size: 3–4 inches long, tapered
• Color Progression: Dark Green → Red
• Heat Level: Medium – 2,000–5,000 SHU
• Plant Height: 24–48 inches
• Spacing: 12–16 inches apart
• Seed Count: ~4,150 seeds/oz

Safe Handling

Wear gloves when handling seeds and fruits. Wash hands thoroughly even after removing gloves. Avoid touching eyes or sensitive areas.

Soil & Water

Plant in fertile, well-drained soil with ample organic matter; target pH 6.0–6.8. Keep soil evenly moist; mulching helps retain moisture and suppress weeds. Provide shade during extreme heat if plants begin to wilt.

Planting & Growing Tips

• Start seeds indoors 8 weeks before the last expected frost date; sow ¼ inch deep.
• Maintain 80–85°F (27–29°C) soil temperature; provide 12–16 hours of light daily. Germination: 7–14 days.
• Transplant outdoors when daytime temps reach 60–65°F (15–18°C) and nights stay above 50°F (10°C); space 12–16 inches apart.
• Harden off by exposing seedlings to outdoor conditions for a few hours daily before full transplant.
• Grows well in containers and raised beds.

Harvest Tips

• Harvest green for crisp, milder heat; allow to redden for maximum heat and sweetness.
• Picking green prolongs production — mature red fruits signal the plant to slow fruiting.
• Use scissors or a knife to cut from stems cleanly; never pull.
• Smoke and dry ripe red jalapeños to make your own chipotle.

Seed Saving

Jalapeños cross-pollinate readily with other pepper varieties. Isolate or cage plants to preserve genetic purity. Allow fruits to fully ripen, then remove and dry seeds for 2 weeks. Store in a cool, dry location for up to 2 years.