The Jalapeno is undoubtedly one of the most famous chili peppers. Most Jalapenos are mildly hot, but some types are much hotter. The origin of the Chili name is the Mexican city of Jalapa. Jalapenos or Jalapeños typically reach a length of 2 to 3.5 inches (5 to 9 cm) when fully mature. However, sizes can vary depending on the specific variety you grow. When jalapenos are mature, they are usually ready to harvest. Knowing when to pick Jalapenos peppers involves observing their size, color, and firmness. In this article, learn all about When To Pick Jalapenos and How to Know When Jalapenos Are Ready to Pick.
Typically, you will be able to pick the Jalapenos peppers 75 to 90 days after planting. A ripe Jalapeno pepper measures between 2 and 4 inches (5 and 10 cm).
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When are Jalapenos Ready to Pick?
When are Jalapenos Ready to Pick? Jalapenos should be picked after 75 to 90 days of cultivation. Jalapenos peppers are edible at any growth stage, but the best flavor is during the final stage when they are still green.
Inspect the Jalapeno peppers plant because not all Jalapenos ripen simultaneously, so keep checking. The bright green Jalapenos are the most flavorful.
Jalapenos peppers are ready to be harvested when they are 2 to 4 inches (5 to 10 cm) long. You should also let them ripen longer on the plant, and they will turn red. Red Jalapeno peppers are sweeter than green Jalapenos but still hot.
Pick Jalapeno peppers often to encourage production on the plant. If you want to dry the Jalapenos, you should wait until they are red to harvest them. It is a matter of taste for consumption.
When To Pick Jalapenos and How to Know When Jalapenos Are Ready to Pick
Jalapenos typically reach 2 to 3.5 inches (5 to 9 cm) when fully mature. However, sizes may vary. Observing the size, color, and firmness of Jalapenos peppers is necessary to know when to pick them. So, When To Pick Jalapenos, and How to Know When Jalapenos Are Ready to Pick? Let’s see.
Knowing when jalapenos are ready to pick involves observing their size, color, and overall appearance. Here are some indicators to look for to determine if your jalapeno peppers are ripe and ready to be harvested:
Size: Mature jalapenos typically reach a length of 2 to 4 inches (5 to 10 cm) and have a plump, firm appearance. However, the size may vary depending on the specific variety of jalapeno you are growing.
Color: Jalapenos change color as they ripen. They start as green, and as they mature, they will transition to a deep, glossy green or dark red color. Some jalapeno varieties may turn other colors like yellow or purple when ripe, so it’s essential to know the specific type you are growing.
Texture and Firmness: Ripe jalapenos have smooth and shiny skin. The skin should not appear wrinkled or dull. Gently press on the jalapeno pepper with your fingers. Ripe jalapenos will feel firm and solid. If they are soft or mushy, they are likely overripe or starting to spoil.
Time: The time it takes for jalapenos to ripen can vary depending on growing conditions, such as temperature and sunlight. It takes about 75 to 90 days from planting to harvest.
Remember that leaving jalapenos on the plant for a bit longer can produce hotter and more flavorful peppers. However, if you wait too long, they may become overly spicy or begin to deteriorate. It’s best to find the right balance based on your preference and your recipes’ specific use of the jalapenos.
How to Harvest Jalapenos from Plant
How to Harvest Jalapenos from Plant? As mentioned in the previous paragraph, after 75 to 90 days, you should be able to harvest the Jalapenos from the plant.
Remember that they should measure between 2 and 4 inches (5 and 10 cm). If you eat them fresh, the Jalapenos should also be bright green; if you want to dry them, you should wait until they are red.
To harvest Jalapenos from the plant, take sharp scissors or knives and cut the ripe Jalapenos carefully to avoid damaging the plant. It is important that the tools are sharp and disinfected so as not to damage the plant. In this way, the plant will continue to produce Jalapenos.
Always avoid pulling Jalapenos off the plant by hand to avoid damaging the plant. By harvesting the Jalapeno correctly, the plant will continue producing until the cycle’s end.
Jalapenos can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. There are many ways to preserve Jalapenos, such as dehydration or oil.
How to Grow Jalapenos in a Pot
Do you want to regrow them after harvest? Here is How to Grow Jalapenos in a Pot.
Growing Jalapenos in pots is very simple. Follow these simple steps to grow Jalapenos in pots:
- Prepare the soil where you will put the Jalapeno seeds, and use a medium pot.
- Put the seeds in holes 0.2” or 0.4” (0.5 or 1 cm) deep (one seed per hole) and then cover with a light layer of the same soil.
- Gently moisten the soil so that the seeds do not sink further.
- Place the pot in a place where it receives light and warmth, indoors or near a window.
We recommend watering the Jalapeno plant every three days or when you see that the soil is not moist. For proper watering of the jalapeno plant, I recommend you read our article about how often to water jalapeno plants in pots.
Place the pot of Jalapenos in a sunny and warm place because this plant loves the sun and heat. Learn more about How to Grow Jalapenos from seeds.
