Craig's Grande

Pepper

Zone 9a Save Garden

Botanical illustration of Craig's Grande

🌱 75d to harvest Upright

Craig's Grande delivers a glossy, deep-green jalapeño that turns to a rich, warm red as it matures—its aroma is bright and pepper…

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Jan 9th
Last Frost	Mar 6th
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	May 1st
Harvest Begins	Jul 15th
Harvest Ends	Nov 26th

Crop Details

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

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Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the most common pest or disease problem for Capsicum annuum (jalapeño peppers) and how do I control it?

Watch for aphids and whiteflies, which cluster on the undersides of jalapeño leaves and can lead to sooty mold. Spray plants with insecticidal soap and remove heavily infested leaves, then repeat every 5–7 days until activity stops. Also check regularly for blossom-end rot early on; keep soil moisture even during fruit set to reduce the calcium-related issue.

How often should I water jalapeño peppers during the main growing phase?

During active growth and fruit set, keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged—aim for about 1–2 inches of water per week depending on heat and container size. Water deeply so it reaches the root zone, then let the top 1 inch of soil dry slightly before watering again. Irregular watering can trigger leaf drop and blossom-end rot.

How can I tell when my jalapeños (Capsicum annuum) are ready to harvest?

Harvest at about 75 days when pods have reached full size and are firm and glossy. For a classic jalapeño look, pick when fruits are dark green and still crisp; they can also be left longer to ripen to red, but expect a softer pod. Use scissors or pruners to cut the stem so you don’t tear the plant.

Craig's Grande delivers a glossy, deep-green jalapeño that turns to a rich, warm red as it matures—its aroma is bright and peppery, with a satisfying snap and a juicy, medium-thick wall. Expect sturdy plants and dependable, high-yielding fruit that shines fresh and performs beautifully when roasted for smoky depth, then shines again in salsas and pickled favorites for bold, tangy heat.

Sowing Tips

Transplant Conditions

Wait until soil reaches 60°F and nights stay above 50°F before moving outdoors. Harden off for 10 days first.

Expert Note

To maximize yields for large fruit types, keep temperatures warm and avoid letting transplants experience cold soil—use row cover for the first week if nights run cool.