This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. If you click a link and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Getting jalapenos to turn red is all about patience and giving the peppers enough time on the plant.
If you’ve been wondering how to get jalapenos to turn red, the simple answer is that they need to stay on the vine longer than you might think.
Green jalapenos are simply unripe versions of the same pepper, and they will naturally turn red as they fully mature.
Understanding how to get jalapenos to turn red means recognizing that every pepper starts green, then slowly shifts to a deep, vibrant red when left alone.
In this post, we’ll explore everything you need to know about getting jalapenos to turn red, including the ideal conditions, timing, and tricks to speed up the process.
Let’s dig into why jalapenos turn red and how you can enjoy that sweeter, smokier flavor.
The Simple Truth Behind How to Get Jalapenos to Turn Red
Getting jalapenos to turn red isn’t complicated, but it does require a shift in how you harvest.
Most gardeners pick jalapenos while they’re still green because that’s the classic, crunchy stage used in salsas and pickling.
However, if you want to get jalapenos to turn red, you simply have to resist the urge to pick them early.
Once a jalapeno reaches its full green size, it doesn’t stop ripening; it just needs another few weeks to develop that red color.
Here’s what happens: the pepper produces chlorophyll (green pigment) first, then as it matures, it starts producing carotenoids like capsanthin, which give it that rich red hue.
So, how to get jalapenos to turn red really comes down to letting nature run its course on the vine.
1. Leave Them on the Plant for Several Extra Weeks
The most reliable way to get jalapenos to turn red is to leave them attached to the plant.
After a green jalapeno reaches its target size, it typically takes another two to four weeks to fully turn red.
During this window, the pepper isn’t growing bigger; it’s focusing all its energy on ripening and developing sugars.
You’ll notice the green skin starting to develop thin brown or black streaks first, which is a sign that the color change is about to begin.
Be patient during this phase.
The plant is still nourishing the pepper, and cutting that connection too soon will stop the red development in its tracks.
2. Provide Consistent Warmth and Sunlight
Warmth is your best friend when you’re trying to get jalapenos to turn red.
These peppers thrive in temperatures between 70°F and 85°F during the day, with slightly cooler nights.
If the weather stays consistently warm, the ripening process accelerates naturally.
Make sure your jalapeno plants receive at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily.
The sun’s energy drives photosynthesis, which produces the sugars and pigments needed to turn jalapenos red.
If you’re growing in containers, move them to the sunniest spot you can find to encourage faster ripening.
3. Reduce Nitrogen Fertilizer Once Peppers Are Full-Sized
Too much nitrogen encourages leafy green growth, not fruit ripening.
When you want to get jalapenos to turn red, switch to a fertilizer high in phosphorus and potassium.
Phosphorus supports flower and fruit development, while potassium helps with overall plant health and sugar production.
Stop feeding with high-nitrogen formulas about a month before you expect the red color to appear.
This signals to the plant that it’s time to shift from growing foliage to finishing its fruit.
Can You Get Jalapenos to Turn Red After Picking?
If you’ve already picked green jalapenos, you might still be able to get jalapenos to turn red indoors.
The process is slower and less reliable than vine-ripening, but it does work under the right conditions.
Jalapenos are climacteric fruits, meaning they can continue to ripen after being harvested because they still produce ethylene gas.
Ethylene is a natural plant hormone that triggers the ripening process, including color change.
So yes, you can get jalapenos to turn red off the plant, but you’ll need to mimic the right environment.
1. Use the Paper Bag Trick
Place your green jalapenos in a brown paper bag with a ripe tomato or banana.
These fruits release high levels of ethylene gas, which will help get jalapenos to turn red faster.
Fold the top of the bag over loosely to trap the gas while still allowing airflow.
Check the peppers every couple of days and remove any that start to soften or rot.
Most peppers will begin showing red streaks within a week, with full color in about two weeks.
2. Keep Them at Room Temperature
Cold temperatures halt the ripening process entirely.
So, never put your jalapenos in the fridge if you’re hoping to get jalapenos to turn red.
Instead, keep them on your counter at room temperature, ideally between 65°F and 75°F.
Place them in a single layer, not piled up, so air can circulate around each pepper.
Direct sunlight isn’t necessary for off-vine ripening, but a warm, dry spot is still important.
3. Be Realistic About Color Results
When you get jalapenos to turn red off the vine, the final color might be more of a brick red or orange-red rather than a deep crimson.
The reason is that fully vine-ripened peppers have more time to build up dense pigments.
Still, any red color you achieve will bring that sweeter, fruitier flavor and a slight reduction in heat.
You won’t get a full color change if the pepper was picked too early, such as when it was still very pale green.
Only peppers that are already mature green (with thick walls and a glossy sheen) will respond well to this method.
Do Red Jalapenos Taste Different, and Are They Hotter?
Yes, red jalapenos taste noticeably different from their green counterparts.
While you’re working to get jalapenos to turn red, it’s helpful to know what you’re gaining.
Red jalapenos are sweeter and have more of a fruity, almost smoky flavor profile.
The extra time on the vine allows starches to convert into sugars, which is why they taste milder and more complex.
As for heat, you might be surprised to learn that red jalapenos are actually slightly milder than green ones.
That’s because capsaicin (the compound that gives peppers their heat) can degrade slightly as the pepper fully ripens.
So, when you successfully get jalapenos to turn red, you’re trading a bit of raw heat for a deeper, richer taste.
This makes them perfect for making smoked chipotle peppers, hot sauces, or adding a sweet kick to your favorite dishes.
Signs Your Jalapenos Are Ready to Turn Red
Before you start the waiting game, you need to know when your jalapenos are at the right stage.
Here are the key indicators that your peppers are mature enough to get jalapenos to turn red successfully:
1. They’ve Reached Full Size
Your jalapenos should be around three to four inches long and have a firm, slightly heavy feel.
If they’re still small and skinny, they haven’t finished growing yet, and ripening won’t proceed properly.
2. The Skin Has a Glossy Sheen
Mature green jalapenos have a shiny, almost waxy appearance.
If the skin looks dull or wrinkled, the pepper is past its peak and may not ripen evenly.
3. You See Corking Lines
Those tiny, tan-colored lines that look like stretch marks are called corking.
They indicate the pepper has been growing rapidly and is mature.
While not mandatory for ripening, corking is a good sign that the pepper is ready to start turning red.
So, How Do You Get Jalapenos to Turn Red?
So, how do you get jalapenos to turn red?
You get jalapenos to turn red by leaving them on the plant for an additional three to four weeks after they reach full size.
You get jalapenos to turn red by ensuring they receive plenty of warm sunlight, by reducing nitrogen fertilizer, and by patiently waiting for those green skins to transform into glossy shades of red.
And if you’ve already harvested, you can still get jalapenos to turn red using the paper bag technique at room temperature.
The payoff for your patience is a sweeter, fruitier pepper that’s perfect for roasting.
Getting jalapenos to turn red takes a little time, but the flavor reward is absolutely worth the wait.
So, don’t rush that harvest next season, and give your peppers the chance to show off their beautiful red color.