Jalapeño Pepper Planting Guide
Popular medium-heat chili pepper used fresh, pickled, or smoked for chipotle
Flavor notes: Grassy, medium heat with a fresh bite.
Variety notes: Reliable fresh chile for salsa, roasting, stuffing, and pickling.
Best Time and Place to Plant Pepper
In USDA zone 7, the typical spring window is April 1 to May 15. Cooler zones usually plant later; warmer zones plant earlier.
Plant Jalapeño Pepper in a spot with 6+ hours of direct sun, soil warmed to 65F to 90F, and enough room for 18 inches between plants and 24 inches between rows.
Planting Windows by Zone
| Zone | Spring | Fall |
|---|---|---|
| Zone 1 | May 15 to June 15 | Varies |
| Zone 2 | May 10 to June 10 | Varies |
| Zone 3 | May 1 to June 1 | Varies |
| Zone 4 | April 20 to May 30 | Varies |
| Zone 5 | April 15 to May 25 | Varies |
| Zone 6 | April 10 to May 20 | Varies |
| Zone 7 | April 1 to May 15 | Varies |
| Zone 8 | March 20 to May 10 | Varies |
| Zone 9 | March 10 to May 1 | August 1 to September 15 |
| Zone 10 | February 15 to April 15 | August 15 to October 1 |
| Zone 11 | January 15 to March 15 | September 1 to November 1 |
| Zone 12 | January 1 to March 1 | October 1 to December 1 |
| Zone 13 | Year-round to Year-round | Varies |
Spacing and Care
- Planting depth: 0.25 inches deep
- Spacing: 18 inches apart, 24 inches between rows
- Soil temperature: 65F to 90F
- Sunlight: 6+ hours
- Watering: 1-1.5 inches per week; drought stress increases heat level
- Days to harvest: 75
Fertilization
- 10-10-10 Balanced synthetic: 2 lbs per 100 sq ft at planting
- Calcium supplement organic: Spray on leaves to prevent blossom end rot
- Fish Emulsion organic: Every 2 weeks during fruiting
Companion Plants
- Basil
- Carrots
- Tomatoes
- Marigold
Avoid Planting Near
- Fennel
- Apricots
Harvest Signs
- Peppers are firm and dark green, 2.5-3.5 inches long
- Corking (white lines) on skin indicates maturity
- For red jalapeños, leave until fully red
- Cut with scissors to avoid damaging plant
FAQs
When should I plant Pepper?
Pepper planting depends on your USDA hardiness zone. In USDA zone 7, the typical spring window is April 1 to May 15. Cooler zones usually plant later; warmer zones plant earlier.
What is the best time of year to plant Pepper?
The best time of year to plant Pepper is when your zone planting window is open and soil temperatures are around 65F to 90F. In USDA zone 7, the typical spring window is April 1 to May 15. Cooler zones usually plant later; warmer zones plant earlier.
Where is the best place to plant Pepper?
Plant Jalapeño Pepper in a spot with 6+ hours of direct sun, soil warmed to 65F to 90F, and enough room for 18 inches between plants and 24 inches between rows.
How far apart should I plant Pepper?
Plant Pepper about 18 inches apart, with rows around 24 inches apart.
What grows well with Pepper?
Pepper is commonly paired with Basil, Carrots, Tomatoes, Marigold.