Craig's Grande Jalapeño

Family: Solanaceae Hot Pepper

Aromatic and vividly green at first, Craig's Grande Jalapeño matures to a bold, glossy red with a bright, peppery snap and a pleasantly substantial bite.

The fruits are thick-walled and impressively long for a jalapeño, offering a smooth, crisp texture that holds its character beautifully. Grow it for bold fresh flavor, roasting, and vibrant salsas—an outstanding pick for gardeners who want peppers that look as striking as they taste.

Light: Full SunMaturity: 75 DaysHabit: Bush

Botanical illustration of Craig's Grande Jalapeño

Planting schedules and alerts are optimized for Columbus (Zone 6b).

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Mar 7th
Last Frost	Apr 25th
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Jun 20th
Harvest Begins	Sep 3rd
Harvest Ends	Oct 16th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	75
Sun Requirements	Full Sun
Growth Habit	Bush
Support Needed	Stake
Planting Depth	Normal
Germination Temp (°F)	80
Min Soil Temp (°F)	60
Min Night Temp (°F)	50
Harden Off (days)	10

Culinary Notes

Chef's Note

This jalapeño’s thick wall and long shape mean it brings a real crunch and pepper snap—great when you want heat that still reads as texture, not just spice. Roast or char it for a glossy, smoky perfume that carries well in salsa and sauces without turning watery.

Best Uses

chopping fresh into pico de gallo or ceviche for crisp heat that doesn’t go mushy
roasting whole or halved until blistered, then folding into salsas or sauces
quick-pickling into refrigerator escabeche for crunchy, tangy heat
seeding and stuffing for a thick-walled pepper that stays meaty on the grill

Flavor Profile

bright green-to-red peppery heat pepper snap with a substantial, thick-walled bite fruity, roasted pepper aroma clean, slightly smoky finish when cooked

Kitchen Pairings

lime cilantro garlic cotija cheese smoked paprika chicken or carne asada

Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease is most common on Capsicum annuum (jalapeños) and what should I do?

A very common problem is pepper blotch/leaf-spot and related fungal leaf spots that show up as dark spots on older leaves, often after humid weather. Remove and discard affected leaves, improve airflow with wider spacing, and avoid wetting foliage when watering. If new spots keep appearing, treat with a copper-based fungicide according to the label starting as soon as spots are visible.

How often should I water Capsicum annuum during the main growing phase?

During active growth and fruit set, keep soil evenly moist but not soggy—aim for watering when the top 1 inch of soil starts to dry. In full sun, this often means watering about 1–2 times per week, with more frequent watering during hot spells. If the soil stays waterlogged, jalapeños can suffer root stress and drop flowers, so water deeply and then let excess drain.

How can I tell when my Craig's Grande jalapeño (Capsicum annuum) is ready to harvest?

Harvest at about 75 days after transplanting when the fruits reach their mature size and firmness. Jalapeños typically start green and then may turn darker/red as they fully ripen; pick green for a milder, crisper pepper, or let them ripen further for more heat and sweetness. Use pruning shears or scissors to cut the stem just above the fruit to avoid damaging the plant.