Jalapenos are one of the most popular peppers around the world. They are known for their spicy taste, and the 2,500 to 8,000 Scoville range they belong in makes them pack a punch of flavor. These spicy peppers are loved by many and that’s why, naturally, they are also grown by many.
And since you have landed on this article, we assume you are also someone who has started growing Jalapenos at home. But being a plant parent is often tougher than one anticipates and, hence, we all need a little bit of hand-holding when we’re starting. Worry not though because we’re here to help!
In this guide, we’ll tell you how to care of your jalapenos and make sure you end up with a good yield.
How To Care For Jalapeno Plants In Pots
Below we have highlighted some key factors to consider when caring for your jalapeno plants. These are important to ensure a healthy yield:
Soil
The first thing any plant needs is good soil. So making sure you have the right kind of soil for your jalapenos is very important. The kind of soil that is ideal for jalapeno plants is sandy, with a lot of organic matter. To achieve this soil quality, you need to either mix compost into the soil or use a potting mix. Since you have already planted your jalapenos, you can change the soil if you didn’t use a high nutrient potting mix.
Fertilizer
The second important factor for caring for your Jalapeno plants is proper fertilization. Plants need to eat, and fertilizer is their food. Different plants have different fertilization requirements. And Jalapenos are no different. Jalapenos require rich nutrient soil to grow their fruit to a healthy size. To ensure that the plant does this, you first use a 5-10-10 fertilizer in the soil. Once the plants grow Jalapenos, you switch to a 30-0-0 fertilizer.
Watering
Now we have discussed how important it is to feed your plant but remember, a plant needs to drink too. And watering needs for each plant are different. One of the most common problems that people face is overwatering. Since everybody thinks all plants need the same amount of water. Well, that isn’t true at all.
Avoid overwatering your Jalapeno plants because they won’t survive. Jalapenos don’t require moist soil all the time, so make sure to let the soil dry out between watering sessions. You should touch the soil and feel if the top one inch is dry or not. If it’s dry, then water the plant. Ensure to water the plant from the base rather than from the top. Watering from the top will cause water beads to form on the leaves, concentrating sun rays on the leaves, causing them to burn out.
Also, try to water your Jalapeno plant either in the morning or evening. If you water in the afternoon, the sun rays will be too strong and may cause the plant to burn. And if it is a cloudy day, then skip the watering. It would help if you kept a lookout for how the weather is. You will need to water more on a hot day than on a cloudy day.
Sunlight
Jalapenos need sunlight to grow. They require a full 8 hours of sunlight every day, so make sure you place your pots in a location where direct sunlight can fall on the plant. Also, ensure the temperature outdoors is between 75-85 degrees Fahrenheit. This is the ideal temperature for jalapeno plants. If it gets any hotter, the plant will start to drop flowers, and you’ll notice that the plant has stopped growing.
Pruning
Pruning is very important for the Jalapeno plant. Pruning will allow new growth to take place, and you’ll end up getting rid of dead and weak leaves and stems. For those who don’t know what pruning is, it is the process of snipping part of the plant to allow new growth to occur. Usually, you prune weak leaves to allow for new leaves to grow. Pruning also helps keep the plant at a manageable size; you don’t want your plant growing too big, especially since it is in a pot. Pruning is also said to help in getting a better yield that is a lot healthier.
The points we have highlighted above are very important if you want to take good care of your jalapeno plants. Now let’s look at what kind of problems you can run into when growing Jalapenos and how to solve them.
Common Problems With Jalapeno Plants
The first common problem that you run into is bacteria and fungus related. The way to identify bacterial problems in your plant is by observing the leaves. If the leaves have brown spots, you may have a bacteria problem. Unfortunately, there is no remedy for it, but there are ways to avoid this problem from occurring. Bacteria are usually transferred from the soil when your leaves touch the soil. So you can snip the leaves from the bottom, so the bacteria doesn’t transfer up to the entire plant. You can also add mulch to the soil, and that will form a barrier between the soil and the leaves.
The second common problem with Jalapenos is curling leaves. This can be due to the low amount of water and sunlight being provided to the plant. It can also be due to a calcium deficiency. If your plant isn’t getting enough water or you’re overwatering, then curling may occur. So change your watering habits. Make sure to check the soil before watering and remember that it should be dry up to one inch.
If the curling is caused by sunlight, move the pot to an area where the plant can receive at least 8 hours. For calcium deficiency, check the soil’s pH. Soil is usually never deficient in calcium, but the plant’s ability to absorb the calcium is hindered due to the soil being acidic. So check soil acidity.
Final Thoughts
With our complete Jalapeno plant guide, your question about caring for jalapeno plants in pots is answered. Remember to take good care of your plant; the more attention you give it, the better the yield will be. So follow our Jalapeno plant care routine and enjoy the fruits of your labor to the fullest.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How often do I need to water my Jalapeno plants?
A: You should water your Jalapeno plants when the soil is dry up to one inch. Make sure you’re watering in the morning or evening, and not during the hot part of the day.
Q: What if I live in a colder climate?
A: Jalapeno plants need sunlight to grow, so make sure you place your pots in a location where direct sunlight can fall on the plant. Also, ensure the temperature outdoors is between 75-85 degrees Fahrenheit. If it gets any cooler, the plant will start to drop flowers, and you’ll notice that the plant has stopped growing.
Q: Can I prune my Jalapeno plants?
A: Pruning is very important for the Jalapeno plant. Pruning will allow new growth to take place, and you’ll end up getting rid of dead and weak leaves and stems. For those who don’t know what pruning is, it is the process of snipping part of the plant to allow new growth to occur. Usually, you prune weak leaves to allow for new leaves to grow. Pruning also helps keep the plant at a manageable size; you don’t want your plant growing too big, especially since it is in a pot.
