Container Chile Peppers - Early Flame Jalapeños

STARTING SEEDLINGS Start indoors 8 weeks before outdoor night temperatures reach 55°F (13°C). Sow seeds 1/4 inch deep and 1 inch apart in a container of seed starting mix. Keep moist but not soggy, and very warm 80°F (27°C). Provide a strong light source until ready to plant outdoors. When seedlings are several inches tall, transplant into 4 inch pots. Keep warm; 70°F (21°C). Feed with half-strength liquid fertilizer. When nights reach 55°F (13°C), acclimate seedlings to outdoor conditions. If planting in garden beds, space 2 feet apart in rich soil in full sun. CONTAINER GROWING Transplant each well-developed seedling into a container about 15 inches tall and deep. Use fresh potting mix to prevent soil borne diseases. Fertilize 2 times per month with all-purpose fertilizer for best plants and bigger yields. Check often and water regularly; plants usually require daily watering in hot summer weather. GROWING NOTES Peppers need full sun at least 6 hours per day. Mulch well to maintain even moisture. Provide short stakes or cages to support the heavy sets of ripening fruit. Keep growing plants well watered and fed. HARVEST AND USE To harvest, cut rather than pull fruits from plants when deep glossy green or colored up red. Enjoy Jalapeños in sandwiches, fresh salsas, sauces, fajitas and marinades. They are delicious sliced and quickly pickled or stuffed with cheese and baked.