Planting Instructions for Jalapeño & Habanero Pepper Seeds
1. Location
Choose a site with full sun (6–8 hours daily) and well-drained, fertile soil.
2. When to Plant
- Indoors: Start Todd’s Seeds Pepper seeds 8–10 weeks before the last frost date.
- Outdoors: Transplant after all danger of frost has passed and soil temperatures are above 65°F.
3. Soil Preparation
Loosen the soil and enrich it with compost or aged manure. Ideal soil pH: 6.0–6.8.
4. Sowing Depth
Plant seeds 1/4 inch deep in seed-starting mix.
5. Spacing
Transplant seedlings 18–24 inches apart in rows spaced 24–36 inches apart.
6. Watering
Keep soil evenly moist during germination (7–14 days) and throughout the growing season. Avoid overwatering. Water at the base to reduce the risk of fungal disease.
7. Care
- Fertilize every 3–4 weeks with a balanced fertilizer.
- Mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
- Provide stakes or cages if plants become heavy with fruit.
8. Harvest
- Jalapeños: Harvest when fruits are firm, glossy, and 3–4 inches long, either green or left to ripen red.
- Habaneros: Harvest when fruits are 1–2 inches long and turn orange or red, depending on variety.
Use gloves when harvesting hot peppers to avoid skin irritation.