I have a couple of "giant" jalapeno plants but only one of them has actually produced fruit so far. Three decent sized jalapenos are dangling from the top and they seemed to stop growing a week or two ago. I've wanted to wait for them to start changing color to harvest a sweet pepper, but they're just not turning at all.
Should I go ahead and harvest them?
This is my first year gardening after the wife and I bought a house, so I'm still learning. I've gone into it as a total noob and the only thing that seems to be doing super well for me is lettuce. Lol
by RetnikLevaw
15 Comments
Dooooode
Pick one or two, see if they are to your taste.
I’d pick these fwiw
Hell send them to me and I’ll check em for ya 😉😂
I agree with Cruezin. Yes, those jalapeños look ready to harvest! If you leave them longer, they’ll start turning red, which means more heat and sweetness.
No
Wait until they just hint at red. They will be dark red inside and a hint of sweet at that point but still crisp and hot.
They will go dark green to a gross blood brown and then a tip will go red. Do it then.
I’ve seen those lines called “heat lines” before and when you get those they’re ready! And spicy!
Wait til they’re red.
I’ve harvested them like this and have waited till red. The green are good for pickling and the red make an awesome hot sauce! All the best!
Yes , they are ready !
Traditionally harvest now
For me personally it depends on how I intend to use them. For poppers I’d pick them now, for hot sauce I’m waiting until fully ripened, for a snack while I’m in the garden I’m not super picky but probably would lean towards sweeter, if I’m cooking with them they’re fine at pretty much any stage as long as they’ve reached a decent size.
Your preference. Harvesting them will encourage new peppers.
They could be picked now or wait. Dealers choice. What zone are you located in? Jalapeños typically like hotter weather to start really producing. Picking these now will also likely encourage the plant to produce more blooms.
Yes
As green jalapeños, yes, they are ready to dance! Or wait for red peppers, but jalapeños are great green.
You could or you could wait for them to turn red and they’ll be even better tasting. I let as many of my “green” chilis go red as I can.