Jalapeño peppers, a Capsicum annuum staple, are beloved for their 2,500–8,000 SHU heat and vibrant flavors. The Classic Green Jalapeño, with 2- to 3-inch pods, offers a crisp, grassy taste perfect for salsas, poppers, and pickling. Early Jalapeño matures faster, ideal for cooler climates, while Purple Jalapeño adds sweet heat and stunning color to dishes and gardens.
For less spice, TAM Jalapeño (1,000–2,500 SHU) delivers a bell-pepper-like flavor for mild salsas and roasting. NuMex Primavera, also mild, is great for family-friendly dishes with its sweet, subtle kick. These varieties cater to those who love jalapeño taste without intense heat, shining in fresh or stuffed preparations.
Señorita Jalapeño packs a hotter 5,000–10,000 SHU punch with smoky, burgundy-ripening peppers, perfect for chipotle-style drying. NuMex Piñata and Lemon Spice offer vibrant yellow, orange, and red hues with tangy, 2,500–8,000 SHU flavors for salsas and garnishes. These bold varieties add heat and visual flair.
Jalapeños thrive in full sun and well-drained soil, maturing in 70–80 days. Start seeds indoors 8–10 weeks before the last frost, spacing plants 12–18 inches apart. Varieties like Mucho Nacho and Conchos yield large, thick-walled peppers, while compact NuMex Primavera suits containers. Harvest green or red for varying heat and sweetness.
Jalapeños enhance salsas, tacos, and hot sauces, pairing well with cilantro, lime, and cheese. Their capsaicin boosts metabolism, relieves pain, and provides antioxidants like vitamin C. From fresh to smoked chipotles, jalapeños offer versatile flavor and health benefits, making them a kitchen essential for spice lovers.
Jalapeno Peppers
1. Classic Green Jalapeño
The Classic Green Jalapeño is the quintessential variety, known for its glossy, 2- to 3-inch-long green pods that ripen to red. With a heat level of 2,500–8,000 SHU, it offers a crisp, grassy flavor with a moderate kick, making it ideal for salsas, guacamole, and stuffed jalapeño poppers. This variety is widely available fresh, canned, or pickled (as “chipotles” when smoked and dried). Its versatility and balanced heat make it a go-to for Mexican dishes, and its plants are prolific, thriving in warm, sunny conditions for home gardeners.
2. Early Jalapeño
Early Jalapeño is a favorite for growers in cooler climates, maturing 10–14 days faster than the Classic Green, typically in 65–70 days. Its 3-inch peppers deliver a similar 2,500–8,000 SHU heat with a slightly sweeter, fruitier profile. Perfect for fresh salsas, grilling, or pickling, Early Jalapeño is a reliable choice for short-season gardens. The compact plants yield heavily, making it ideal for containers or small spaces, and its early harvest ensures a steady supply of spicy goodness.
3. TAM Jalapeño
Developed by Texas A&M University, TAM Jalapeño is a milder cultivar, ranging from 1,000–2,500 SHU, designed for those who prefer flavor over heat. Its 2- to 3-inch green peppers, ripening to red, have a rich, bell-pepper-like taste with a subtle kick. TAM Jalapeño shines in fresh salsas, nachos, or roasted dishes where intense spice isn’t desired. Its disease-resistant plants are high-yielding and adaptable, making it a top pick for beginner gardeners and commercial growers alike.
4. Mucho Nacho Jalapeño
Mucho Nacho Jalapeño lives up to its name with larger, 4-inch-long peppers that pack a punch at 4,000–8,000 SHU. Its thick-walled fruits are perfect for stuffing, grilling, or slicing into hearty salsas. The flavor is bold and slightly smoky, complementing Tex-Mex dishes like nachos and tacos. Mucho Nacho plants are vigorous, producing high yields in warm climates, and their sizable peppers make them a favorite for cooks seeking a robust jalapeño with consistent heat.
5. Purple Jalapeño
Purple Jalapeño is a stunning ornamental variety, with peppers transitioning from green to deep purple before ripening to red. Its heat level of 2,500–8,000 SHU matches the Classic Green, but its flavor is slightly sweeter and fruitier, ideal for fresh salsas or garnishes. These compact plants are perfect for container gardening, adding vibrant color to patios or borders. Purple Jalapeño’s aesthetic appeal and culinary versatility make it a must-have for gardeners and cooks who value both form and function.
6. Señorita Jalapeño
Señorita Jalapeño is a unique variety with dark green peppers that ripen to a deep burgundy, offering a hotter kick at 5,000–10,000 SHU. Its 3-inch fruits have a smoky, earthy flavor, making them excellent for chipotle-style drying or spicy salsas. Señorita’s plants are disease-resistant and productive, thriving in warm climates. This variety is a great choice for those seeking a bolder jalapeño to elevate smoky, savory dishes like chili con carne or barbecue sauces.
7. NuMex Piñata
NuMex Piñata, developed by New Mexico State University, is a colorful jalapeño that cycles through green, yellow, orange, and red stages, with a heat level of 2,500–8,000 SHU. Its flavor is sweet and tangy, perfect for fresh eating, salsas, or pickling. The vibrant peppers add visual appeal to dishes and gardens, and the plants are high-yielding and adaptable. NuMex Piñata is ideal for cooks and growers who want a festive, flavorful jalapeño with moderate heat.
8. Jalapeño M
Jalapeño M is a classic commercial variety, bred for uniform size and consistent heat (2,500–8,000 SHU). Its 3-inch green peppers, ripening to red, have a crisp, peppery flavor suited for canning, pickling, or fresh salsas. Jalapeño M plants are vigorous and disease-resistant, making them a staple for large-scale growers and home gardeners alike. This reliable variety is a go-to for traditional Mexican recipes and processed products like jarred jalapeños.
9. Black Jalapeño
Black Jalapeño, also known as Jalapeño Negro, features striking dark green to near-black peppers that ripen to red, with a heat level of 2,500–8,000 SHU. Its flavor is slightly smokier than the Classic Green, making it ideal for salsas, hot sauces, or roasted dishes. The compact plants are ornamental and productive, perfect for small gardens. Black Jalapeño’s unique color and balanced heat make it a standout for both culinary and decorative purposes.
10. Lemon Spice Jalapeño
Lemon Spice Jalapeño, part of the NuMex colored series, boasts bright yellow peppers with a citrusy, tangy flavor and a heat level of 2,500–8,000 SHU. Its 3-inch fruits are perfect for fresh salsas, pickling, or adding a pop of color to dishes. The plants are high-yielding and disease-resistant, thriving in warm climates. Lemon Spice is a favorite for cooks seeking a vibrant, flavorful jalapeño to brighten up salads or garnishes.
11. Orange Spice Jalapeño
Orange Spice Jalapeño, another NuMex creation, features vivid orange peppers with a sweet, fruity flavor and 2,500–8,000 SHU heat. Its 3-inch fruits are ideal for fresh eating, salsas, or grilling, where their color and taste shine. The plants are productive and adaptable, making them suitable for various growing conditions. Orange Spice adds a cheerful hue to dishes and gardens, appealing to those who love colorful, moderately spicy peppers.
12. NuMex Primavera
NuMex Primavera is a milder jalapeño, with a heat level of 1,000–2,500 SHU, offering a sweet, bell-pepper-like flavor with minimal spice. Its 3-inch green peppers, ripening to red, are great for fresh salsas, roasting, or stuffing. The plants are compact and high-yielding, ideal for small gardens or containers. Primavera is perfect for those who want jalapeño flavor without the heat, making it a versatile choice for family-friendly dishes.
13. Giant Jalapeño
Giant Jalapeño produces oversized, 4- to 5-inch peppers with a heat level of 2,500–8,000 SHU. Its thick-walled fruits are perfect for stuffing, grilling, or slicing into chunky salsas. The flavor is bold and slightly sweet, complementing Tex-Mex and barbecue recipes. Giant Jalapeño plants are vigorous and productive, thriving in warm climates. This variety is a top pick for cooks who need large, flavorful peppers for hearty dishes.
14. Conchos Jalapeño
Conchos Jalapeño is a high-yielding variety with 3-inch peppers and a heat level of 4,000–8,000 SHU. Its flavor is crisp and peppery, ideal for fresh salsas, pickling, or hot sauces. The plants are disease-resistant and adaptable, making them suitable for both home and commercial gardens. Conchos is a reliable choice for those seeking a classic jalapeño with consistent heat and robust production for culinary projects.
15. Jaloro Jalapeño
Jaloro Jalapeño is a vibrant yellow variety, with peppers ripening to orange and red, and a heat level of 2,500–8,000 SHU. Its flavor is sweet and slightly tangy, perfect for salsas, pickling, or fresh eating. The compact plants are ornamental and productive, ideal for small spaces. Jaloro’s bright color and balanced heat make it a favorite for adding visual appeal and flavor to dishes and gardens.
16. NuMex Vaquero
NuMex Vaquero is a robust jalapeño with 3-inch peppers and a heat level of 2,500–8,000 SHU. Its flavor is rich and slightly smoky, making it great for chipotle-style drying or spicy salsas. The plants are high-yielding and disease-resistant, thriving in warm climates. Vaquero is a top choice for growers and cooks who want a versatile jalapeño with bold flavor for both fresh and processed applications.
17. Peludo Jalapeño
Peludo Jalapeño, meaning “hairy” in Spanish, is named for its slightly fuzzy foliage. Its 3-inch peppers deliver a heat level of 4,000–8,000 SHU with a crisp, peppery flavor. Ideal for salsas, grilling, or pickling, Peludo is a productive variety with sturdy plants that thrive in warm conditions. This unique jalapeño adds character to gardens and dishes, appealing to those who enjoy a classic jalapeño with a quirky twist.
18. Fresno Chili
While technically a distinct cultivar, Fresno Chili is often grouped with jalapeños due to its similar size, shape, and heat (2,500–10,000 SHU). Its 2- to 3-inch peppers ripen from green to red, offering a fruitier, slightly smokier flavor than Classic Jalapeño. Fresno is perfect for salsas, hot sauces, or roasting, and its plants are productive and adaptable. This variety is a great alternative for cooks seeking a jalapeño-like pepper with a unique taste.