How to Harvest Mammoth Jalapeno Pepper Plants

“Mammoth” jalapeno peppers (Capsicum annuum “Mammoth”) produce exceptionally large fruits that can grow up to 4 inches in length. The large, hot peppers are especially well suited for making stuffed peppers, or you can use them like a regular jalapeno in your favorite recipe. Like all peppers, “Mammoth” jalapenos grow and mature during the frost-free days of summer. “Mammoth” requires about 75 days from planting to produce the first crop of mature jalapenos.

Shears or knife

Instructions

- 1
  Monitor the jalapeno peppers as they reach their full size, typically between 1 and 4 inches long for the “Mammoth” variety. Pick the peppers once they develop a deep, dark green color but before they begin to turn red.
- 2
  Support the pepper in one hand and cut its stem off the plant with a pair of shears or a clean knife. Leave 1/4-inch of stem attached to the jalapeno.
- 3
  Pick jalapenos every two to three days as they ripen. Picking the peppers promptly ensures the best flavor and encourages the plant to flower and produce more peppers.
- 4
  Pull up the entire plant when the first fall frost is expected. Remove any remaining flowers or small peppers that aren't near maturity. Hang the plant upside down in a warm, dark area so the remaining peppers can finish maturing. Pick the jalapenos from the plant when they reach their mature shade of green.

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