Hot Pepper Seeds,
Jalapeño Craig's Grande

Start seeds indoors 8-12 weeks before the last expected frost date in your area. Transplant outdoors when the soil has warmed up, as peppers are sensitive to cold. In frost-free areas (roughly Zones 9b-11) plants may overwinter and live several years; everywhere colder they are grown as annuals or potted up and brought indoors before frost. If you're not sure how to find your first and last frost dates, consult our blog post 'Our Experts Answer Questions, Share Resources.'

Sow Craig’s Grande seeds 1/4 inch deep in seed-starting mix and maintain a soil temperature of 80-85 F for optimal germination. Once seedlings have two sets of true leaves, harden them off by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions. Transplant them into beds or large containers, spacing plants 14-18 inches apart in nutrient-rich, compost-amended soil.

Craig’s Grande jalapeños need full sun, receiving 8-12 hours daily. Water regularly, keeping the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged. Adding mulch around the base helps retain moisture and regulate soil temperature. Fertilize with a balanced fertilizer every 2-3 weeks during the growing season to support continuous growth and fruiting. Light pruning encourages better airflow and can lead to larger fruit.

• Peppers are mainly self-pollinating, but bees occasionally work pepper flowers as well.
• To be absolutely sure that you will not have any crossing, different varieties should be isolated by at least 500 feet.
• To save seed, allow the fruit to mature fully; then simply remove seeds.
• It is a good idea to wear gloves when working with very hot peppers, and to consider wearing a mask when working with a large quantity of dried seeds.
• Let seeds dry for a week before storing them in a jar.
• Pepper seeds will remain viable for up to 5 years.