Why Are The Jalapenos Turning Black

Jalapenos turning black is a normal part of the pepper’s growth cycle, but it can also signal a few different things depending on when and how the blackening happens.
 
If you’ve noticed your jalapenos turning black on the plant, you might be worried that something is wrong, but often this dark coloring is perfectly healthy and even expected.
 
Jalapenos turning black can be caused by sunscald, cool temperatures, blossom end rot, or simply the natural ripening process that many pepper varieties go through.
 
In this post, we’ll dig into why jalapenos turn black, how to tell if the blackening is a problem, and what you can do to keep your peppers thriving.
 
Let’s explore the reasons behind this curious color change so you can feel confident about your harvest.
 

Why Are The Jalapenos Turning Black On The Plant?

The most common reason you see jalapenos turning black is simply genetics and the pepper’s natural development.
 
Many jalapeno varieties, especially those like Early Jalapeno or TAM Jalapeno, will develop dark purple or black streaks as they mature.
 
This is not a sign of disease, and the jalapenos turning black will often fade to a deep red if you leave them on the plant long enough.
 
Let’s break down the specific causes of this color change.
 

1. Natural Ripening Process

Jalapenos turning black is frequently just a stage between green and red maturity.
 
As the pepper matures, it produces anthocyanins, which are pigments that create purple or black hues on the skin.
 
This typically starts near the tip or in patches and is more pronounced when the pepper gets direct sunlight.
 
If you see jalapenos turning black but they still feel firm and look glossy, they are likely just ripening naturally.
 
The black color will gradually turn to a rich red as the pepper fully matures, which is completely normal.
 

2. Sunscald From Intense Heat

Another reason for jalapenos turning black is sunscald, which happens when peppers get too much direct sun exposure.
 
This usually occurs during a heatwave or after heavy pruning when leaves that once shaded the fruit are removed.
 
The sun’s UV rays will damage the pepper’s skin, causing pale or black patches that then dry out and become papery.
 
Jalapenos turning black from sunscald will often have a sunken or leathery texture, unlike the smooth look of natural ripening.
 
You can prevent this by providing some afternoon shade or being careful not to over-prune your plants.
 

3. Cool Temperatures and Cold Stress

If the weather takes a sudden dip, especially at night, you might notice jalapenos turning black from cold stress.
 
Peppers are warm-season crops and do not like temperatures below 55°F (13°C) for extended periods.
 
When exposed to cold, the cell walls can break down slightly, leading to discoloration that looks like dark bruising.
 
This type of jalapenos turning black is usually accompanied by a soft or water-soaked feel.
 
If cold weather is coming, consider covering your plants or harvesting the peppers before the temperature plummets.
 

4. Blossom End Rot

Blossom end rot can also be why your jalapenos are turning black, though this looks different from other causes.
 
This condition results from a calcium deficiency, often caused by inconsistent watering that prevents the plant from absorbing calcium.
 
You’ll see a dark, sunken lesion at the blossom end (the bottom tip) of the pepper, which can look black or leathery.
 
Jalapenos turning black from blossom end rot will not recover, but you can prevent future issues by watering evenly and adding calcium to the soil.
 
This is more of a physiological disorder than a disease, so the rest of the plant is usually fine.
 

Should You Be Worried About Jalapenos Turning Black?

In most cases, you should not be worried about jalapenos turning black, especially if the rest of the plant looks healthy.
 
The key is to examine the pepper itself to determine if it’s a natural process or a problem.
 
If the black areas are smooth, shiny, and only occur in streaks or at the top of the pepper, it’s almost certainly natural ripening.
 
If the black spots are soft, sunken, or accompanied by mold, then you likely have a bigger issue like rot or a fungal infection.
 
Here’s how to tell the difference and what to do in each scenario.
 

Signs It’s Natural and Healthy

When jalapenos turning black is a natural process, the fruit will maintain its firmness and crisp texture.
 
The black coloring will often appear as vertical streaks running down the pepper, starting near the stem.
 
You can even let these jalapenos turn fully black and then red, which will give you a sweeter and slightly fruitier flavor.
 
Feel free to harvest these peppers at any stage, as they are perfectly safe to eat when green or when showing black coloration.
 
The black pigment is harmless and will actually cook out or become less noticeable when you use the pepper in recipes.
 

Signs It’s a Problem You Need to Fix

If jalapenos turning black is accompanied by a soft, mushy texture, it’s likely turning to rot.
 
Check the plant for pests like pepper weevils or diseases like phytophthora blight that can cause black lesions.
 
You should also inspect the base of the plant and the roots if you see widespread blackening across many peppers.
 
If the issue is sunscald or cold stress, simply adjust your growing conditions by providing shade or covering plants.
 
For blossom end rot, focus on consistent watering and consider a calcium spray or soil amendment.
 
The peppers that are already damaged won’t improve, but you can save the rest of your crop by addressing the underlying cause.
 

Can You Eat Jalapenos Turning Black?

Absolutely, you can eat jalapenos turning black, provided they are not rotten or showing signs of disease.
 
The black coloring from natural ripening or sunscald does not affect the safety or flavor of the pepper.
 
In fact, many chefs and gardeners seek out these darker jalapenos because they tend to have a slightly more complex flavor profile.
 
Just make sure to wash the pepper thoroughly and cut away any soft or damaged spots before eating.
 
Jalapenos turning black from cold stress are also edible, but you should use them quickly as their shelf life may be shortened.
 
If the pepper smells bad, feels slimy, or has visible mold, then those are clear signs to toss it in the compost.
 

So, Why Are The Jalapenos Turning Black?

Jalapenos turning black is usually a natural and harmless phenomenon that happens as the peppers mature.
 
The primary reasons include normal ripening, where anthocyanin pigments darken the skin, and these peppers will often turn red eventually.
 
However, jalapenos turning black can also be a sign of sunscald, cold stress, or blossom end rot, which require you to adjust your growing practices.
 
By inspecting the texture and location of the blackening, you can easily tell if your jalapenos are healthy or if they need intervention.
 
In almost all cases, you can still eat those dark peppers, so there’s no need to panic or discard your harvest.
 
Just keep an eye on your plants, maintain consistent watering, and protect them from extreme weather, and your jalapenos will continue to produce beautifully.
 
Happy gardening, and enjoy those slightly mysterious but perfectly delicious, black-flushed jalapenos!