Quick answer: The jalapeño (Capsicum annuum) measures roughly 2,500–8,000 Scoville (SHU), which makes it medium hot: hotter than bell pepper but 15 to 50 times milder than a habanero. It is the ideal beginner chili: robust, productive and easy to grow on a balcony, in the garden or indoors. Expect about 70–100 days from transplanting to first harvest.
The jalapeño is the green (or red) gold of the chili world: not too hot, not too mild, just right. It is named after the Mexican city of Jalapa (Xalapa). In this guide you learn how to grow, pickle and process jalapeños, from seed to homemade hot sauce.
Table of Contents
- How hot is a jalapeño?
- Capsicum annuum: the botanical family
- Starting seeds: beginner friendly
- Care & harvest
- Using jalapeños in the kitchen
- Pickling jalapeños
- Jalapeño FAQ
How hot is a jalapeño? Scoville compared
Jalapeños typically sit at 2,500–8,000 SHU, with single pods going higher. Heat varies even on one plant: location, water and ripeness all play a role.
| Chili | Scoville (SHU) |
|---|---|
| Bell pepper | 0 |
| Jalapeño | 2,500–8,000 |
| Serrano | 10,000–23,000 |
| Cayenne | 30,000–50,000 |
| Habanero | 100,000–350,000 |
Varieties like TAM jalapeño are mild (about 3,000–5,000 SHU), standard types sit at 5,000–8,000, "hot" selections reach up to 10,000. More comparisons in the Scoville scale and the habanero guide.
Capsicum annuum: the botanical family
Jalapeños belong to the species Capsicum annuum. "Annuum" means "annual", which is misleading: overwintered frost-free, plants can live several years. This species holds the greatest diversity of the chili world, from sweet bell peppers to very hot types. For an overview see our Capsicum guide.
Starting seeds: beginner friendly
Sowing and germination
Sow in February or March. Seeds need warmth: ideal is 25–28 °C. First seed leaves appear after 8–14 days. Use nutrient-poor, loose seed compost or coco pellets. Details are in the sowing guide.
Light and temperature
Seedlings need lots of light from the start. A sunny window is enough in spring; in winter use grow lights. Not below 15 °C at night, 20–25 °C during the day.
Care & harvest
Location
Jalapeños are sun lovers: at least 8 hours of direct sun, the more the better. On a balcony south or southwest is ideal (see the balcony guide). In the garden: a warm, wind-protected spot. More sun means more fruit and more heat.
Indoors with grow lights
With LED grow lights (12–16 hours of light, 20–25 °C) jalapeños also thrive indoors.
Watering and fertilizing
Soil should be moist, not wet. Finger test: if the top 2 cm are dry, water. More in summer, much less in winter. Jalapeños are heavy feeders: slow-release fertilizer when repotting, then tomato fertilizer every 2 weeks.
Overwintering
Bright and frost-free at 10–15 °C at the least, you can keep the plant for years. See overwintering chilis. A growing guide for all varieties is here.
Using jalapeños in the kitchen
Green vs. red
Harvested green, jalapeños taste fresh and slightly grassy, ideal for pico de gallo. Red and fully ripe they are sweeter, perfect for sauces and pickling. Smoked, ripe red jalapeños are called chipotle.
Ideas
Raw: sliced on tacos, salads or in salsas.
Grilled: stuffed with cheese over charcoal, a classic.
Stuffed: jalapeño poppers with cream cheese.
Candied: as sweet-hot cowboy candy.
In sauces: jalapeños are the base of many hot sauces.
In Mexican classics: e.g. in the green sauce for enchiladas verdes.
Pickling jalapeños: vinegar recipe
- Wash, dry and slice the jalapeños (wear gloves).
- Bring vinegar and water 1:1 to a boil with salt (and optionally sugar, garlic, peppercorns, mustard or coriander seeds, oregano).
- Let the slices steep 5 minutes in the simmering brine.
- Fill into sterilized jars, top up with brine, close and let cool.
Refrigerated they keep for several weeks to months; once opened, use within two weeks. More variations (also in oil) in our pickling guide.
Jalapeño FAQ
How hot are jalapeños really?
About 2,500–8,000 Scoville. Medium hot: hotter than bell pepper but much milder than habanero (100,000–350,000 SHU).
Can I harvest jalapeños green?
Yes. Green pods taste fresher and grassier, red ones are fully ripe and sweeter. Both are edible.
How long until harvest?
About 70–100 days after transplanting, roughly 4–5 months from sowing. Overwintered plants are faster the next year.
Are jalapeños perennial?
Yes, with frost-free overwintering and good light they can fruit for 3–5 years.
How many fruits does a jalapeño plant bear?
Well-supplied plants often bear 50 or more fruits per season, depending on light, temperature, water and fertilizer.
Can I grow jalapeños on a balcony?
Yes, very well. They need a sunny, wind-protected spot and a pot of at least 5 liters, better 10.
Why does my jalapeño flower but not fruit?
Usually too little light (at least 8 hours of sun), too little water or fertilizer, or nights below 15 °C. Heat above 32 °C can also hinder fruit set.
About the Author
Fabian is the founder of Pikantista and has been bringing hot chili sauces to market for over a decade. With his experience from projects like Pika Pika Chili Compositions and Chili Mafia he has grown and processed many jalapeños. For him the jalapeño is the perfect entry into the chili world: not too hot, but full of flavor. Follow him on Instagram for more growing tips and recipes!