Pepper Heirloom Seeds - Jalapeno

Packed in Resealable Long Life Mylar Moisture Proof Packets 10+ Year Survival Seed Viability Category: Vegetable Type: Pepper Variety: Jalapeno Family: Nightshade Botanical Name: Capsicum annuum 'Jalapeño' Hardiness Zones: 3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12 Growing Difficulty:  2         Soil PH:  6.0 to 7.0 Fertilizer Requirements: 5-10-10 Soil Type: Rich, Loamy, Well-Draining Germination (days): 10 to 14 Soil Temp for Germination: 80-85°F Lighting Conditions: FULL SUN Days to Maturity:  60 - 80 Planting Depth:  1/4” Distance Apart (in row):  14-16" Row Spacing: 24-36" Sowing Instructions DIRECT SOW AFTER DANGER OF LAST FROST IN WARMER CLIMATES Starting Indoors 8-10 WEEKS BEFORE LAST FROST Growing Tips Jalapeno peppers will grow as an annual plan in most zones, but zones 9 - 11 the Jalapeno pepper will grow as a perennial. We recommend starting pepper seeds indoors roughly 8 weeks before your last danger of frost. Make sure the soil is around 80-85 degrees for proper germination. Pepper plants will need a grow light for 12-16 hours each day. Harden off seedlings before transplanting by exposing them to the current weather conditions for several hours each day before planting in the ground. Transplant the pepper seedlings once the outside temperature reaches 60-65 degrees F in the daytime and no lower than 50°F at night. If plants begin to wilt in extreme sun and heat, provide shade. Culinary Uses Jalapenos are versatile little peppers. They can be pickled and canned (our favorite), or roasted to bring out a sweeter (instead of hotter) flavor. Use in any dish that could benefit from a punch of flavor and spice. Jalapenos are also great in salsas, hot sauces and more. Harvesting Crops Jalapeno peppers will get hotter the longer you leave them on the plant. So, depending on your preference of colors and flavors (hot or mild) you may harvest at different times. If you pick the peppers while they are still green, the plant will continue producing. Harvest once the green pepper is almost a mature size for green peppers or leave on longer for a sweeter pepper. It is best to harvest the peppers early, because if left to mature the plant will think that it is done producing. Use a sharp knife or pair of garden shears to pick the peppers as you will want to be careful not to damage the plant. Harvesting Seed You must be careful when growing pepper plants, as they will cross pollinate with many other varieties of pepper plants. You will need to isolate or cage (bee netting) your plants to preserve the strain you are growing. Allow the plant to fully mature. Remove the best peppers and cut them in half to expose their seeds. Spread the seeds out on a paper towel and dry for about 2 weeks. Once dried, store safely until next growing season. Generally, Jalapeno Pepper seeds will be viable for 2 years from harvest depending on storage.