Your jalapenos are turning orange because they are simply ripening past their usual green stage.   This is a completely natural process that happens when peppers are left on the plant longer than we typically expect.   If you’ve been wondering why are my jalapenos turning orange, the short answer is that they are maturing … Read more

Your jalapeños are sweet because of a combination of genetics, growing conditions, and the specific stage at which you harvested them. It’s a surprising twist when you bite into what you expect to be a fiery pepper and instead get a mild, sugary crunch. If you’ve been wondering why are my jalapeños sweet, you’re not … Read more

Jalapenos splitting is a common problem caused by inconsistent watering, usually when a dry spell is followed by heavy rain or a thorough soaking.   When your jalapenos are splitting, it’s essentially the fruit growing too fast for its skin to keep up, and the pressure from inside causes those cracks to form.   If … Read more

Your jalapeños are so spicy because of a perfect storm of genetics, growing conditions, and how you treat them in the garden.   The heat you feel is all about capsaicin, the chemical compound that jalapeños produce as a defense mechanism against fungi and hungry animals.   And when you ask “why are my jalapeños … Read more

Your jalapenos are small and red because they’ve been left on the plant past their ideal harvest time, and the plant is redirecting energy away from growth and into ripening.   This is a totally normal process, but it can be frustrating when you’re expecting big, green, plump peppers for your salsa or stuffing.   … Read more

Your jalapenos are short and fat because of a mix of genetics, growing conditions, and how they’re pollinated. That stubby, chunky shape isn’t necessarily a bad thing, though. Many gardeners panic when they see jalapenos coming in short and fat instead of the long, sleek pods you see at the grocery store. But the truth … Read more