What are the sun requirements for Capsicum annuum 'Early Jalapeño'?

Capsicum annuum 'Early Jalapeño' requires full sun.

How much water does Capsicum annuum 'Early Jalapeño' need?

Capsicum annuum 'Early Jalapeño' has moderate water needs.

Annuals

Capsicum annuum 'Early Jalapeño'

Early Jalapeño Pepper

UnknownCentral America

At a Glance

Typeannual

Habitbushy

Foliagedeciduous

Height18-24 inches

Width12-18 inches

Key Features

Attracts Pollinators

Attracts Butterflies

Deer Resistant

Container Friendly

Maintenancemoderate

Overview

Capsicum annuum 'Early Jalapeño' is a compact, bushy annual pepper cultivar bred for shorter growing seasons and earlier harvest. This warm-season vegetable typically grows 18-24 inches tall with a spreading habit, producing dark green, glossy leaves that are ovate to lanceolate in shape. The plant develops small white flowers with five petals that appear in clusters along the stems. The peppers themselves are the plant's most distinctive feature, measuring 2-3 inches long and about 1 inch wide at maturity. They have the classic jalapeño shape - conical with a slightly curved form and blunt tip. Fruits begin green and can be harvested at this stage for the traditional jalapeño flavor, or left to ripen to red for a sweeter, more complex taste. Capsicum annuum 'Early Jalapeño' is distinguished from standard jalapeño varieties by its faster maturation time and compact growth habit, making it ideal for shorter growing seasons and container cultivation.

Native Range

Capsicum annuum is native to Central and South America, particularly regions of Mexico and northern South America. The species has been cultivated for thousands of years, with archaeological evidence of pepper cultivation dating back over 6,000 years in Mexico.

Suggested Uses

Capsicum annuum 'Early Jalapeño' works well in vegetable gardens, raised beds, and containers. Excellent choice for northern gardens with shorter growing seasons due to its early maturity. Perfect for fresh eating, cooking, pickling, and preserving. The compact size makes it ideal for patio containers and small-space gardening. Harvest green for traditional jalapeño heat or allow to ripen red for sweeter flavor.

How to Identify

Capsicum annuum 'Early Jalapeño' can be identified by its compact, bushy growth habit and distinctive pepper fruits. Look for dark green, glossy leaves that are simple and alternate, with small white flowers that have five petals and prominent yellow stamens. The peppers are 2-3 inches long, conical in shape with a slight curve, and mature from green to red. The plant's shorter stature compared to standard jalapeño varieties and its earlier fruit set help distinguish this cultivar from others.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height1'6" - 2'

Width/Spread1' - 1'6"

Colors

Flower Colors

white

yellow

Foliage Colors

green

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

SummerFall

summer through fall

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

white with yellow centers

Foliage Description

dark green

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

Full Sun

• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight

• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight

• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range6.0 - 7.0(Neutral)

357912

Soil Types

loam

Drainage

well drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

moderate

Frost Tolerance

tender

Time to Maturity

65-75 days

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Capsicum annuum 'Early Jalapeño' requires warm conditions and consistent care for optimal growth. Plant in full sun location with well-draining soil after all danger of frost has passed and soil temperature reaches at least 60°F. Water regularly but avoid overwatering, as peppers prefer slightly dry conditions between waterings. Apply a balanced fertilizer at planting, then switch to a low-nitrogen, high-phosphorus fertilizer once flowering begins to encourage fruit production rather than excessive foliage growth. Mulch around plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds, but keep mulch away from the stem base.

Pruning

Capsicum annuum 'Early Jalapeño' benefits from minimal pruning to maintain plant health and maximize yield. Pinch off early flowers that appear before the plant is 6-8 inches tall to encourage stronger root and stem development. Remove any suckers that develop in leaf joints to direct energy into main stems and fruit production. Late in the season, you can top the plant by removing growing tips to encourage the final peppers to ripen before frost.

Pruning Schedule

summerfall

Maintenance Level

moderate

Container Growing

✓ Suitable for container growing

Minimum container size: 5 gallons

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Capsicum annuum 'Early Jalapeño' fruits contain capsaicin, which causes burning sensations in mouth and eyes but is not toxic to humans or pets. However, the leaves and stems contain solanine and other alkaloids that can be mildly toxic if consumed in large quantities. Keep pets from chewing on foliage, and handle peppers with care to avoid skin and eye irritation.

Planting Guide

Planting Methods & Timing

Planting Method

both

Indoor Start

8 weeks before last frost

Direct Sow Timing

after last frost when soil reaches 60°F

Days to Maturity

65–75 days

Plant Spacing

12 inches

Companion Planting

Good Companions

tomatoes

basil

oregano

parsley

carrots

onions

marigolds

Avoid Planting With

fennel

kohlrabi

brassicas