Pepper Early Flame Jalapeños - Renee's Garden

STARTING SEEDLINGS

Start indoors 8 weeks before outdoor night temperatures reach 55F (13C). Sow seeds 1/4 in. deep and 1 in. apart in a container of seed starting mix. Keep moist but not soggy and very warm 80F (27C). Provide a strong light source until ready to plant outdoors. When seedlings are several in. tall, transplant into 4 in. pots. Keep warm; 70F (21C). Feed with half-strength liquid fertilizer. When nights reach 55F (13C), acclimate seedlings to outdoor conditions.  If planting in garden beds, space 2 ft. apart in rich soil in full sun.

CONTAINER GROWING

Transplant each well-developed seedling into a container about 15 in. 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 coloured up red. Enjoy Jalapenos in sandwiches, fresh salsa, sauces, fajitas and marinades. They are delicious sliced and quickly pickled or stuffed with cheese and baked.