Jalapeño Pepper Plants
The Jalapeño is the most widely recognized pepper in America and one of the most versatile peppers you can grow. Whether you're making fresh salsa, poppers, or pickling for nachos, there's a jalapeño variety for every use. At Cross Country Nurseries, we carry multiple jalapeño types ranging from the classic green jalapeño to giant hybrids and colorful purple varieties.
Jalapeños are a Capsicum annuum variety originating from Mexico, named after the city of Xalapa (Jalapa) in Veracruz. They deliver a reliable medium heat (2,500-8,000 Scoville Heat Units) that's accessible to most palates while still bringing that satisfying kick. The thick-walled pods are perfect for stuffing, grilling, smoking (to make chipotles), and eating fresh.
Jalapeños are one of the easiest peppers to grow, making them an excellent choice for first-time pepper growers. They're prolific producers, and most varieties will give you peppers all season long.
Our Jalapeño Varieties
| Variety | Heat | Notes | |
|---|
| Jalapeño Early | Medium | Classic flavor, early producer. Our most popular jalapeño. | View |
| Jalapeño M | Medium | The standard Mexican jalapeño. | View |
| Jalapeño Gigantia Hybrid | Medium | Extra-large pods, great for stuffing. | View |
| Jalapeño Purple | Medium | Beautiful purple pods, great for fresh salsas. | View |
| JaloRo | Medium | Ripens yellow to orange to red. Resistant to 6 viruses. | View |
| Jalapeño TAM | Mild | A milder jalapeño for those who prefer less heat. | View |
| Mammoth Hybrid | Hot | Our largest jalapeño type — huge pods! | View |
Browse All Jalapeño Plants
Growing Jalapeño Pepper Plants
| Heat Level | Medium (2,500-8,000 SHU) |
| Species | Capsicum annuum |
| Origin | Mexico |
| Season | Early to Mid (60-80 days to harvest) |
| Pod Color | Green to red (most are picked green) |
Jalapeños are among the most forgiving peppers to grow. They produce fruit relatively quickly, tolerate a range of conditions, and are prolific producers that will keep giving you peppers until frost.
Tips for success:
- Transplant after last frost when nighttime temperatures consistently stay above 50°F
- Space plants 14-18 inches apart in full sun
- Pick peppers when they're firm and green for the classic jalapeño flavor
- Let some pods ripen to red for a sweeter, slightly hotter flavor — red jalapeños are what become chipotles when smoked
- The white "stretch marks" (corking) on a jalapeño are a sign of a good, flavorful pod
- Excellent in containers — a 3-gallon pot works well for one plant
Best uses: fresh salsa, jalapeño poppers, pickling, nachos, grilling, smoking to make chipotles, and slicing fresh onto just about everything.
Step Up the Heat
If you love jalapeños and want to explore more heat:
Learn More
