To grow jalapenos in pots is a spicy adventure that’s perfect for young and old alike. Plus, it’s a great way to show off your green thumb without having to own a whole farm. In this post, I’ll show you how to grow your own fiery peppers in a way that’ll make you the envy of all your friends.
Choosing the Right Pot
First things first, let’s talk pots. You don’t want to be that gardener with the sad, droopy jalapenos, do you? No, you want to be the one who has so many jalapenos you don’t know what to do with them! So, choose a pot that’s at least 12 inches in diameter and 12 inches deep. And for the love of Pete, make sure it has drainage holes! Otherwise, your jalapenos will be swimming in a puddle of their own misery.
Preparing the Soil
Next up, let’s get down and dirty with the soil. You want your jalapenos to have the best possible growing environment, so mix in some organic matter like compost or aged manure. It’s like giving your jalapenos a spa day, except they’re covered in dirt.
Planting Jalapeno Seeds or Seedlings
It’s time to plant your jalapenos! If you’re starting from seeds, plant them about 1/4 inch deep in the soil and give them a little space to grow. If you’re starting with seedlings, plant them so the top of the root ball is level with the soil surface. And remember, just because you love jalapenos doesn’t mean they want to cuddle. Give them at least 6 inches of space between each other so they can stretch their legs.
Watering and Fertilizing
When it comes to watering your jalapenos, keep in mind you grow jalapenos in pots! You want to keep the soil moist, but not so wet that you drown your plant with your affection. Stick your finger in the soil up to your knuckle. If it feels dry, it’s time to water. And as for fertilizing, give your jalapenos some love every two weeks with a balanced fertilizer. It’s like giving them a multivitamin, but without the weird aftertaste.
Caring for Jalapeno Plants
As your jalapeno plant grows, it may need a little support. Kind of like how your BFF is there for you when you need a shoulder to cry on. Use a bamboo stake or something similar to help your plant stand tall. And don’t be afraid to give your jalapenos a little haircut by removing any damaged or dead leaves, flowers, or fruit. It’s like taking them to the salon, but without the gossip magazines.
Harvesting Jalapenos
Finally, the moment you’ve been waiting for: harvesting your jalapenos! Wait until they’re about 3-5 inches long and 1 inch wide, and then grab your trusty pruning shears or scissors to cut the stem about 1/4 inch above the fruit. It’s like giving them a spa day and a haircut all at once. We have written more about when to pick jalapenos in our related post.
Conclusion
Growing jalapenos in pots is a fun and spicy adventure that anyone can enjoy, no matter your age or experience level. So, grab your pot, soil, seeds, and start growing your own fiery peppers! You will see: You can grow jalapenos indoors! Just remember, if your jalapenos are looking a little down, give them some love and attention. They’ll thank you with a little kick in your next dish.