When to Harvest Jalapenos: Size Plus Corking Plus Color
When to harvest jalapenos hinges on size, skin and color. Utah State University Extension says peppers can be picked at the immature green stage or after the mature color develops. Pepper harvest starts about 30 days after flowering, and full color takes 10 to 20 more days.
The short answer
Pick jalapenos once they are firm and glossy green, about 30 days after flowering. Utah State University Extension says full color takes another 10 to 20 days. Iowa State University Extension says corking lines are common on older jalapeno types. Leave fruit on the plant to turn red, or pick it green.
How big should jalapenos be?
University of Illinois Extension says pepper fruits may be harvested at any size desired. No single size rule exists for hot types.
Firmness counts more than length. Utah State University Extension says a high quality, mature pepper is firm and bright with a fresh, green calyx.
Variety drives the timeline. NC State Extension lists Early Jalapeno as a compact plant with medium hot fruits produced in about 60 to 65 days.
What does corking mean?
Iowa State University Extension says corking is small brown to white lines or cracks on the fruit. They look like stretch marks and often appear on the shoulder.
Swings in moisture and temperature cause corking. Iowa State says older varieties of jalapenos are more prone to it.
The lines can circle the stem or run the length of the fruit. Iowa State says they reduce visual appeal.
| Stage | Timing | Cue |
|---|---|---|
| Mature green | About 30 days after flowering | Firm, glossy, green calyx |
| Full color | 10 to 20 days later | Red skin |
| Corking | Varies | Brown to white lines |
Source: Utah State University Extension plus Iowa State University Extension.
Should jalapenos turn red?
Not necessarily. Utah State says peppers may be harvested green or after the mature color develops.
Red needs time. Full color comes 10 to 20 days after the mature green stage.
Illinois Extension says mature fruits break easily from the plant. Less damage is done if fruits are cut rather than pulled off.
How to: step by step
- Note when the first flowers open.
- Check fruit about 30 days later.
- Pick firm, glossy green fruit.
- Leave some fruit if you want red.
- Cut fruit with a short stem attached.
- Harvest early in the morning while cool.
Troubleshooting
Brown lines on fruit: corking from uneven moisture. Mulch plus water evenly.
No fruit set: hot, dry winds plus dry soil. Irrigate in dry spells.
Broken branches: pulling fruit. Cut it off instead.
For related reading see when to harvest outdoor cannabis, cannabis leaf anatomy plus cannabis heat stress. Kind Seed Co also stocks cannabis seeds.
Sources
- Harvest plus handling, tomato, pepper plus eggplant, Utah State University Extension
- Growing peppers, University of Minnesota Extension
- Peppers, home vegetable gardening, University of Illinois Extension
- Capsicum annuum (pepper), NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox
- Why do my peppers have brown lines on them?, Iowa State University Extension, Yard plus Garden
FAQ
Can corking be reduced?
Yes. Iowa State University Extension says corking can be reduced by giving plants uniform moisture. Mulch and water the plants during dry weather. It also suggests planting crack resistant varieties such as Jalapeno Jalafuego. Older jalapeno varieties are more prone to the lines than newer ones.
How should jalapenos be picked?
Utah State University Extension says peppers are harvested by cutting them from the plant with a one inch stem, or by carefully twisting to break the stem. University of Illinois Extension says less damage is done to plants when fruits are cut rather than pulled off. Use clean pruners or scissors.
What time of day is right for picking?
Utah State University Extension says to harvest early in the morning when temperatures are cool and plants are well hydrated. Fruit should be cooled quickly after harvest. A firm, bright pepper with a fresh green calyx shows good quality at picking time.
Why are jalapeno plants not setting fruit?
University of Illinois Extension says hot, dry winds and dry soil may prevent fruit set or cause small fruits to drop. Irrigate during dry periods. University of Minnesota Extension says pepper flowers can drop when days and nights are both hot, which leads to less fruit.
How far apart should jalapeno plants grow?
University of Minnesota Extension says to space pepper plants 18 inches apart in rows 30 to 36 inches apart. University of Illinois Extension says to set transplants 18 to 24 inches apart in the row. NC State Extension says peppers need full sun but are heat and drought tolerant.
