Jalapeño
Capsicum annuum
De un vistazo
¡Es temporada de plantar Jalapeño! Empieza a planificar tu jardín ahora.
Chiles medianamente picantes, versátiles en la cocina. Muy productivos.
Calendario de plantación y cosecha
Etapas de crecimiento
De la semilla a la cosecha
Siembra
Las semillas germinan en un sustrato cálido de semillero a 24-29 °C, formando primero una raíz radicular blanca y luego los cotiledones redondeados. La emergencia tarda 10-14 días en condiciones óptimas.
💡 Consejo de cuidado
Usa una manta térmica para mantener la temperatura del sustrato constante. Mantén la mezcla uniformemente húmeda pero no empapada. Cubrir las bandejas con una cúpula de humedad acelera la germinación; retírala en cuanto aparezcan las plántulas.
Jalapeno seedling at the two-leaf stage, ready for potting up to a larger container
Calendario de cuidado mensual
Qué hacer cada mes para tu Jalapeño
Mayo
Mes actualPrimary transplanting month for most zones. Space plants 40-50 cm apart in full sun. Mulch around transplants to conserve moisture. Install drip irrigation if possible. In warm zones, plants may already be flowering.
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Datos fascinantes sobre Jalapeño
The Scoville scale, which measures the heat of chili peppers, was invented in 1912 by pharmacist Wilbur Scoville specifically to test the pungency of peppers — jalapenos typically register 2,500-8,000 Scoville Heat Units (SHU), placing them in the mild-to-moderate range of the chili world.
Elija un lugar con sol pleno y suelo bien drenado con pH 6,0-7,0. Los jalapeños necesitan una temporada larga y cálida; enmiende el suelo con compost antes de plantar.
Siembre en interior 8-10 semanas antes de la última helada. Trasplante a 40-45 cm de separación cuando las noches sean consistentemente cálidas. Instale pequeños tutores para proteger de vientos fuertes.
Riegue de forma regular evitando el encharcamiento. Abone con fertilizante bajo en nitrógeno durante la fructificación. El estrés hídrico leve puede aumentar el nivel de picante.
The jalapeno pepper (Capsicum annuum) traces its origins to the fertile valleys of Mesoamerica, where archaeological evidence suggests chili peppers were being cultivated as early as 5,000-7,000 years ago in present-day Mexico. The jalapeno specifically is named after Xalapa (Jalapa), the capital of the Mexican state of Veracruz, which served as a major center of jalapeno cultivation and trade for centuries. The Aztec civilization prized chili peppers as both food and medicine, using them to preserve meat, treat respiratory ailments, and as a form of currency and tribute payment to rulers.
Spanish conquistadors encountered jalapenos and other chili peppers in the early 1500s and carried them back to Europe, from where they spread rapidly along trade routes to Africa, India, and Southeast Asia. This global dispersal happened remarkably quickly — within 50 years of Columbus's voyages, chili peppers had been adopted into cuisines across four continents. However, the jalapeno itself remained most deeply rooted in Mexican cuisine, where it became an indispensable ingredient in salsas, escabeches (pickled preparations), and stuffed pepper dishes like chiles rellenos.
The practice of smoking ripe red jalapenos to create chipotles dates back to the pre-Columbian Aztec period, when the thick-walled peppers proved difficult to air-dry in the humid climate of Veracruz. Smoking over wood fires solved the preservation problem while creating an entirely new ingredient with deep, complex flavors. Today, Mexico and the United States are the world's largest producers and consumers of jalapenos. In the US, jalapeno cultivation expanded dramatically in the late 20th century, driven by the growing popularity of Mexican cuisine and Tex-Mex food culture. The jalapeno has become the most widely consumed hot pepper in America, featured in everything from nachos and salsa to mainstream products like jalapeno-flavored chips and jelly.
Siembre en alvéolos en interior 8-10 semanas antes de la última helada, manteniendo temperatura del suelo sobre 24°C. Endurezca las plántulas durante 7-10 días antes del trasplante.
Prefiere suelo bien drenado con pH 6,0-7,0, moderadamente fértil. El exceso de nitrógeno favorece el follaje y reduce la producción. Abone con fertilizante para tomates.
Verifica Tu Zona
Verifica si Jalapeño es adecuado para tu ubicación.
21°C – 32°C
70°F – 90°F
Jalapeno peppers thrive in warm conditions between 21-32°C (70-90°F) during the day and 16-21°C (60-70°F) at night. Below 13°C (55°F), growth stalls and flowers drop without setting fruit. Prolonged exposure to temperatures below 4°C (40°F) damages foliage and can kill the plant. Above 35°C (95°F), pollen viability drops sharply, causing flower drop and temporary cessation of fruit set — production resumes when temperatures moderate. The ideal sweet spot for maximum fruit production is daytime temperatures of 24-29°C (75-85°F) with nighttime temperatures of 16-18°C (60-65°F).
Problemas comunes que afectan a Jalapeño y cómo prevenirlos y tratarlos de forma orgánica.
Las noches frescas por debajo de 10°C provocan la caída de flores y mala fructificación. El riego excesivo pudre las raíces. La falta de polinización reduce la producción.
Se asocia excelentemente con tomates, albahaca y zanahorias. Evite plantar junto a hinojo. El cilantro atrae insectos polinizadores beneficiosos.
- 1Start seeds early — jalapenos need 8-10 weeks of indoor growing before transplanting, and rushing this stage produces weak, unproductive plants. Use a heat mat at 24-29°C for reliable germination in 10-14 days.
- 2Pinch off the first few flowers that appear on young plants to encourage stronger root and branch development before allowing fruit to set. This results in a sturdier plant that ultimately produces more peppers over the season.
- 3Water deeply and consistently but let the top 2 cm of soil dry between waterings. Jalapenos are susceptible to both blossom end rot (from inconsistent moisture) and root rot (from waterlogged soil). Drip irrigation is ideal.
- 4Slight water stress during fruit development can increase the heat level of your jalapenos. If you prefer hotter peppers, reduce watering slightly once fruits begin to mature. For milder peppers, keep watering consistent.
- 5Corking lines on the skin are a sign of quality, not damage. Peppers with heavy corking are prized by experienced cooks for their superior heat and depth of flavor. Do not discard corked peppers.
- 6Allow some peppers to ripen fully to red on the plant. Red jalapenos are sweeter and more complex than green ones, and they are the stage required for making authentic chipotles. The plant will continue producing new green peppers simultaneously.
- 7Feed with a tomato-type fertilizer (low nitrogen, high phosphorus and potassium) once flowering begins. Excess nitrogen produces lush, leafy plants with disappointing pepper yields — a very common mistake with all pepper varieties.
- 8In cooler climates, use black plastic mulch and row covers to maximize soil warmth. Jalapenos grow slowly in cool conditions and may not produce well if soil temperatures stay below 21°C (70°F) during the growing season.
Coseche verde para sabor más suave y crujiente a los 65-70 días. Deje madurar hasta rojo intenso para mayor picante. Corte con tijeras dejando el pedúnculo.
Corking lines indicate a mature, flavorful jalapeno with higher heat and complex flavor
Conserve en el refrigerador hasta 2 semanas. Encurtidos en vinagre duran meses. También pueden secarse, ahumarse o congelarse enteros o en rodajas.
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Información nutricional
Por porción de 100g
29
Calorías
Beneficios para la salud
- Exceptionally rich in vitamin C — a single jalapeno provides over 100% of the daily value, more per gram than most citrus fruits, supporting immune function and collagen synthesis
- Contains capsaicin, the compound responsible for heat, which has been shown to boost metabolism, reduce appetite, and may support healthy weight management
- Good source of vitamin A and beta-carotene (especially in red-ripe fruits), supporting eye health, skin integrity, and immune function
- Provides vitamin B6 (pyridoxine), essential for brain development, neurotransmitter synthesis, and converting food into energy
- Contains vitamin E, an antioxidant that protects cell membranes from oxidative damage and supports cardiovascular health
- Low calorie density at only 29 calories per 100g, making jalapenos a flavorful way to add interest to meals without significant caloric impact
💰 ¿Por qué cultivar tus propios?
A single jalapeno plant grown from a $2-3 seed packet (which contains 20-30 seeds) can produce 25-35 peppers over a season. Fresh jalapenos sell for $3-6 per pound at grocery stores, and a productive plant yields 1-2 pounds. Growing 3-4 plants can save $15-40 per season on fresh peppers alone. The savings increase dramatically when you factor in pickled jalapenos ($4-6 per jar), chipotle peppers ($3-5 per can), and jalapeno hot sauce ($5-8 per bottle) — all easily made from your home harvest at a fraction of the retail cost.
Recetas rápidas
Recetas sencillas con Jalapeño frescos
Classic Jalapeno Poppers
30 minHalved jalapenos stuffed with a tangy cream cheese filling and wrapped in crispy bacon — the ultimate appetizer for game days and gatherings. Baking at high heat renders the bacon crispy while softening the pepper and melting the cheese into a creamy, spicy bite.
Quick Pickled Jalapenos
15 minTangy, crisp pickled jalapeno slices ready in just 15 minutes and far superior to store-bought. These taqueria-style pickled peppers are perfect on nachos, tacos, burgers, and sandwiches, keeping for weeks in the refrigerator.
Fresh Jalapeno Salsa Verde
20 minA bright, vibrant green salsa with fresh jalapeno heat, charred tomatillos, and cilantro. This authentic Mexican salsa is endlessly versatile — serve with chips, tacos, grilled meats, or eggs for a fresh, zippy kick.
Classic jalapeno poppers — stuffed with cream cheese and wrapped in bacon
Calculadora de Rendimiento y Espaciado
Vea cuántas plantas de Jalapeño caben en su cama de jardín basándose en el espaciado recomendado de 40cm.
9
Jalapeño plantas en una cama de 4×4 ft
3 columnas × 3 filas a 40cm de espaciado
Variedades populares
Algunas de las variedades de jalapeño más populares para jardineros caseros, cada una con características únicas.
Early Jalapeño
Maduración rápida, ideal para climas con temporadas cortas. Madura en 65 días.
Mucho Nacho
Frutos más grandes que el jalapeño estándar, carne gruesa y picante moderado. 68 días.
Lemon Spice
Jalapeño amarillo dorado con sabor afrutado y picante suave. Muy decorativo.
Versátiles en la cocina: frescos en salsas, guacamole, encurtidos en vinagre, rellenos y asados, o en conserva. Son el ingrediente esencial de la cocina tex-mex.
¿Cuándo debo plantar Jalapeño?
Planta Jalapeño en Marzo, Abril, Mayo. Toma aproximadamente 72 días para madurar, con cosecha típicamente en Julio, Agosto, Septiembre.
¿Cuáles son buenas plantas acompañantes para Jalapeño?
Jalapeño crece bien junto a Tomate, Albahaca, Zanahoria. El cultivo acompañante puede mejorar el crecimiento, sabor y control natural de plagas.
¿En qué zonas de rusticidad puede crecer Jalapeño?
Jalapeño prospera en zonas de rusticidad USDA 4 a 12. Con protección de invernadero, puede cultivarse en zonas 2 a 13.
¿Cuánto sol necesita Jalapeño?
Jalapeño requiere Sol completo (6-8h+). Esto significa al menos 6-8 horas de luz solar directa diaria.
¿A qué distancia debo espaciar Jalapeño?
Espacia las plantas de Jalapeño a 40cm (16 pulgadas) para crecimiento óptimo y circulación de aire.
¿Qué plagas y enfermedades afectan a Jalapeño?
Los problemas comunes incluyen Pulgones, Araña roja, Virus del mosaico. La prevención a través de buenas prácticas de jardinería como rotación de cultivos, espaciado adecuado y cultivo acompañante es el mejor enfoque. Consulta la sección de plagas y enfermedades para más detalles.
¿Cómo almaceno Jalapeño después de la cosecha?
Conserve en el refrigerador hasta 2 semanas. Encurtidos en vinagre duran meses. También pueden secarse, ahumarse o congelarse enteros o en rodajas.
¿Cuáles son las mejores variedades de Jalapeño para cultivar?
Las variedades populares incluyen Early Jalapeño, Mucho Nacho, Lemon Spice. Cada una tiene características únicas adaptadas a diferentes condiciones de cultivo y preferencias culinarias. Consulta la sección de variedades para descripciones detalladas.
¿Qué suelo necesita Jalapeño?
Prefiere suelo bien drenado con pH 6,0-7,0, moderadamente fértil. El exceso de nitrógeno favorece el follaje y reduce la producción. Abone con fertilizante para tomates.
Why are my jalapenos not hot?
Several factors affect jalapeno heat: genetics (varieties like TAM Jalapeno are bred for mildness), consistent watering (stress increases capsaicin), harvesting too early (immature peppers are milder), and cool growing conditions. For hotter peppers, choose standard or hot varieties, allow slight water stress during fruit maturity, harvest when corking lines appear, and grow in the warmest possible conditions. Peppers from the same plant can vary in heat depending on their position and growing conditions.
Should I pick jalapenos green or red?
Both stages are excellent but offer different flavor profiles. Green jalapenos have a bright, sharp, vegetal heat and are the standard for fresh salsas, nachos, and poppers. Red-ripe jalapenos develop a sweeter, fruitier, more complex heat and are essential for making chipotles. Most gardeners harvest primarily green for maximum total yield, as leaving peppers on the plant to ripen red slows new production. A good strategy is harvesting mostly green while letting 20-30% ripen to red for variety.
Can I grow jalapenos in containers on a balcony?
Absolutely — jalapenos are one of the best peppers for container growing. Use a container of at least 15-20 liters (4-5 gallons) per plant with good drainage holes. Fill with a high-quality potting mix amended with compost. Place in a location receiving at least 6-8 hours of direct sun. Water daily in hot weather, as containers dry out much faster than garden beds. Feed every 2 weeks with liquid tomato fertilizer. A single container-grown jalapeno can produce 20-30 peppers per season.
How do I make chipotles from my jalapenos?
Allow jalapenos to ripen fully red on the plant — this is essential, as green jalapenos do not make proper chipotles. Smoke the red peppers over indirect hardwood heat (pecan, oak, or mesquite) at 90-110°C (195-225°F) for 6-12 hours until they are dried, wrinkled, and leathery with a deep smoky aroma. The process can also be done in a charcoal smoker or even on a gas grill with a wood chip box. Store dried chipotles in airtight jars for up to a year, or rehydrate and pack in homemade adobo sauce.
Why are my jalapeno plant's flowers falling off without producing fruit?
Blossom drop is typically caused by temperature extremes — nighttime temperatures below 13°C (55°F) or daytime temperatures above 35°C (95°F) prevent proper pollination. Other causes include inconsistent watering, excessive nitrogen fertilization (which promotes leaves over fruit), and low humidity. Ensure steady watering, use a balanced or low-nitrogen fertilizer once flowering starts, and gently tap or shake plants to help distribute pollen. Production usually resumes when temperatures moderate.
Are jalapeno plants perennial — will they come back next year?
Jalapeno peppers are tropical perennials that can technically live for several years, but they are killed by frost and grown as annuals in most climates. In USDA zones 10-12 or indoors, plants can overwinter and produce again the following year. To overwinter indoors, cut the plant back by half, pot it up, and place in a bright window. Reduce watering to minimal levels. The plant will look dormant through winter but should push new growth in spring. Second-year plants often produce earlier and more heavily than first-year plants.
¿Listo para cultivar Jalapeño?
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Vladimir Kusnezow
Jardinero y desarrollador de software
Jardinero de zona 6b. Cultivo hortalizas y frutas en tierra e hidroponía desde hace 6 años. Creé PlotMyGarden para planificar mis propios jardines.
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