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Organic Chilli Pepper ‘Early Jalapeño’

Capsicum Annuum – 20 Seeds.        Soil Association Organic Logo

2,500 – 8,000 SHU

The Jalapeño is one of the most famous chillies and originates from Xalapia in Veracruz, Mexico.

It is really easy to grow with great yields.

The plant grows to around 80cm tall and matures around 80 days after sowing. The fruits are short, green and bullet shaped around 5cm long.

The chillies themselves are often pickled or can be smoked to make chipotle chillies. They are also perfect for nachos or in salsas and are fantastic when stuffed with cheese!

The chilli seeds should be sown in trays or modules from Jan – Mar at 18-21C. Pot on when seedlings are large enough to handle and continue to pot on as they grow. Plant out in late spring/early summer. For best yields grow in a greenhouse.

Scroll down for the seed story!

 

 

£1.20

Availability: 38 in stock

Seed Story

Chilli Peppers were brought to Europe by Christopher Columbus in the 1400’s.

Chillies originated in Mexico and are one of the oldest cultivated crops in the Americas. They have been part of the human diet since 7500BC. 

The Aztecs discovered the medicinal qualities of capsaicin which is what gives chillies their heat. capsaicin was used to reduce blood pressure, relieve pain and is even said to increase metabolism and help with digestive issues. 

Chillies are the traditional treatment for toothache in Mexico

In Africa, chillies are laid on fences around crops to deter elephants!

There are many species of capsicum but only 5 have actually been domesticated including two very popular types:

Capsicum Anuum which includes bell peppers, paprika, jalapeño’s and cayenne

Capsicum Chinensis which includes the habanero and scotch bonnet.

Chillies were introduced to Asia by Portuguese traders who sold them based on the similarities to black pepper in taste. They then introduced them to India at the end of the 15th century.