Growing Jalapeno Hot Chilli Peppers is very similar to growing Sweet Peppers and Tomatoes.

The peppers prefer direct sunlight, well drained soil and need to be frost free.

Days from seed to harvest – about 75 (2 to 3 months)

Fully grown they can be up to 100 to 150 cm in height i.e. an individual pot might be the best option.

There are 3 options:

1. December to January – you start with seeds indoors as per the steps below. If you sow the seeds in individual pots this will minimise root damage.
2. March to April – Or you can sow them outside, only when there is no more frost.
3. All year round – Or you can grow them all year round on a sunny window ledge (or using grow lamps)

If you want to grow them outdoors then the best option is to start them indoors about 8 to 12 weeks before the last frost and then transfer them when the nights are warmer.

Step 1 – The first step is to get the Jalapeno pepper seeds. You can order them online or some garden centres will sell them. Not often mentioned but if you simply add the seeds into a bowl of water for 30 minutes to 1 hour they will start quicker then simply putting them in soil.

Step 2 – The next stage is to put the seeds in the soil. A very simple way is to fill a plant pot (or a few) with soil, then add the seeds and sprinkle a bit of soil on top.

A much more effective way is to use a seed tray with a lid. The advantage of using a lid is that it will retain the moisture helping your plants grow. Simply put a bit of soil in the tray, spoon in the seeds and cover with a bit of soil.

Step 3 – Then simply put the pot or tray somewhere safe and leave the sprout.

However a much, much quicker way is to use a heat mat. The pepper like soil with a temperature of 20 to 24 C.

All you do is put the tray on the mat and the extra heat will significantly speed up how fast your seeds will grow.

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Step 4 – The seeds will germinate in 14 to 21 days.

Once seedlings emerge they do not require quite as much heat, temperatures can be reduced to 18oC by day and no lower than 16oC at night..

Step 5 – Re-potting and growing

It is best to re-pot in stages before their final pot size.

Once in final pot size plants may need staking for support. Water regularly but be careful not to over water, surface of compost can be allowed to dry out slightly between watering. Please note that germination can be slow and erratic on some open pollinated hot peppers.

Fully grown they can be upto 100 to 150 cm in height i.e. an individual pot might be the best option.

Peppers are great for growing at home using hydroponics – like the pictured automated hydroponic unit

As they will be ready to be harvested quicker than planted in soil.

A key advantage is that it is a lot easier to grow them as the system is automated and will provide exactly the right amount of water and feed.

However please note they do love sunshine – and a grow light will help.

1d – Harvesting

Hot peppers can be harvested from green or once ripened into yellow, orange or red.

A Hot Pepper’s heat usually intensifies with maturity.

Once ripe fruits can remain on plant in good condition until temperatures begin to drop.