SproutSmart
SproutSmart™ Intelligent Garden Sowing

Biker Billy

Family: Solanaceae Hot Pepper

Planting Schedule

Provide your location or planting zone to unlock dates and add Biker Billy to a garden.

Sweetly smoky aroma meets a bright, peppery snap in Biker Billy Jalapeño peppers—vivid green pods that ripen to a deeper, richer tone with a confident heat.

The fruits are thick-walled and satisfyingly crisp, with a smooth, glossy skin that holds its shape for bold flavor. Grow Biker Billy for fresh snacking, roasting, and vibrant salsas and pickles where its medium heat and sturdy texture shine.

Light: Full SunMaturity: 75 DaysHabit: Upright

Botanical illustration of Biker Billy

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Biker Billy Planting Dates by USDA Zone

Estimated US hardiness-zone windows for sow, transplant, and harvest. Enter a US ZIP above for exact local dates, or open a zone below.

Zone Start Indoors Sow / Transplant Harvest
Zone 1a Protected Environment Only
Zone 1b Protected Environment Only
Zone 2a Apr 6th Jul 20th Oct 3rd – Aug 29th
Zone 2b Mar 27th Jul 10th Sep 23rd – Aug 25th
Zone 3a Mar 27th Jul 10th Sep 23rd – Sep 1st
Zone 3b Mar 31st Jul 14th Sep 27th – Sep 21st
Zone 4a Mar 27th Jul 10th Sep 23rd – Sep 24th
Zone 4b Mar 25th Jul 8th Sep 21st – Sep 27th
Zone 5a Mar 20th Jul 3rd Sep 16th – Sep 30th
Zone 5b Mar 16th Jun 29th Sep 12th – Oct 5th
Zone 6a Mar 13th Jun 26th Sep 9th – Oct 10th
Zone 6b Mar 7th Jun 20th Sep 3rd – Oct 16th
Zone 7a Mar 2nd Jun 15th Aug 29th – Oct 20th
Zone 7b Feb 20th Jun 5th Aug 19th – Oct 28th
Zone 8a Feb 11th May 27th Aug 10th – Nov 5th
Zone 8b Feb 2nd May 18th Aug 1st – Nov 12th
Zone 9a Jan 16th May 1st Jul 15th – Nov 26th
Zone 9b Dec 22nd Apr 6th Jun 20th – Dec 9th
Zone 10a Continuous Production
Zone 10b Continuous Production
Zone 11a Continuous Production
Zone 11b Continuous Production
Zone 12a Continuous Production
Zone 12b Continuous Production
Zone 13a Continuous Production
Zone 13b Continuous Production

Crop Details

TraitValue
Days to Maturity75
Sun RequirementsFull SunFull sun
Growth HabitUpright
Support NeededStake
Planting DepthNormal
Germination Temp (°F)80
Min Soil Temp (°F)60
Min Night Temp (°F)50
Harden Off (days)10

Culinary Notes


Chef's Note

Biker Billy brings a sweet-smoky nose and a crisp, thick-walled bite—so it stays toothsome in salsa and pickles instead of going soft. Use it when you want jalapeño heat that still feels bright and snappy, not stewed into submission.

Best Uses

  • quick-pickled jalapeño slices that stay snappy
  • fire-roasting and chopping into smoky salsas (heat plus structure)
  • charred pepper-stuffed bites where the skin stays glossy and doesn’t slump
  • slicing into tacos and bowls for fresh crunch under warm fillings

Flavor Profile

sweetly smoky aroma bright peppery snap medium heat with a clean, lingering finish thick-walled, crisp bite that holds its shape

Kitchen Pairings

lime cotija cheese garlic cilantro smoked meats corn (tortilla/chips)

Frequently Asked Questions


What’s the most common disease problem on Biker Billy in warm weather, and how do I fix it?
Biker Billy commonly suffers from powdery mildew and leaf spot when foliage stays humid and crowded. Remove and discard infected leaves, thin plants for airflow, and water at the base so leaves stay dry; if it’s spreading, spray an approved sulfur or potassium bicarbonate product and repeat per label directions.
How often should I water Biker Billy during peak growth (about weeks 3–8)?
During the main growth phase, keep soil evenly moist but not waterlogged—aim for about 1 inch of water per week total, split into 2–3 waterings in hot spells. Check by digging 2–3 inches down; water only when that depth feels dry, and stop frequent watering once the fruit/pods start bulking to prevent split or watery growth.
How can I tell when Biker Billy is ready to harvest at around 75 days?
Harvest when fruits/pods reach their expected full size and color for the variety, typically around 75 days from transplanting (or roughly from sowing per your schedule). Use your fingernail to lightly press the surface—if it yields slightly but doesn’t dent deeply, and the plant looks mature with fewer fresh flowers, it’s ready; taste-test one if unsure.