Numex Lemon Spice Jalapeño brings a bright twist to the classic jalapeño, delivering heat with a citrusy undertone that sets it apart from conventional peppers. This cultivar reaches harvest in just 65 days, making it one of the faster jalapeños to mature, and thrives across hardiness zones 3-11, meaning gardeners in nearly any climate can grow it successfully. The variety earned its name from the distinctive lemon notes that accompany its spicy bite, offering both the familiar jalapeño kick and an unexpected aromatic complexity that transforms salsas, pickles, and hot sauces.
Full Sun
Moderate
3-11
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Moderate
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The lemon spice character alone makes this jalapeño memorable; you're not just growing heat, you're growing a flavor combination that feels intentional and refined. At 65 days from transplant to first harvest, it's remarkably quick to produce, so even gardeners in shorter growing seasons can count on a solid yield. The broad hardiness range (zones 3-11) means this pepper adapts to a wider span of climates than many specialty chiles, and it performs reliably in full sun with moderate water and well-draining soil.
These peppers excel in fresh salsas where their citrus notes brighten tomatoes and onions, and they're exceptional when pickled, as the lemon character complements traditional pickling spices beautifully. They work well in hot sauces and fermented condiments, and many growers enjoy them sliced fresh into sour cream for a quick, spicy dip. The heat level remains in the classic jalapeño range, so they're accessible to cooks who want flavor complexity without extreme spice.
No timeline data available yet for this variety.
Start seeds indoors 8 to 10 weeks before your planned transplant date. Maintain soil temperature at 70°F for germination, though temperatures up to 90°F will speed sprouting. Provide consistent moisture and bright light once seedlings emerge to prevent legging.
Transplant seedlings outdoors 2 to 4 weeks after your average last frost date, once daytime temperatures are reliably at least 70°F and nighttime temperatures stay above 55°F. Space plants 24 inches apart in rows 24 inches apart. Harden off seedlings by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions over 7-10 days before final planting.
In mild climates, you can direct sow seeds outside 2 to 4 weeks after your average last frost date, when soil temperature reaches at least 70°F. You can also sow in late summer in mild regions for a fall or winter crop.
Peppers reach harvest readiness at 65 days after transplanting. Pick them at any stage from green to fully mature; jalapeños can be harvested green for a fresher, grassier bite, or left longer on the plant for deeper color and fuller heat development. Use a sharp knife or pruners to cut peppers from the stem rather than pulling, which can damage the plant. Continue harvesting throughout the season to encourage more fruit production.
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