Tam Jalapeño Mild Peppers

Enjoy all the classic jalapeño flavor with significantly less heat in Tam Jalapeño Mild Peppers, a specially bred variety developed by Texas A&M University. These productive plants produce abundant 3-4 inch dark green peppers with thick walls and authentic jalapeño taste at just 1,000-1,500 Scoville units – about one-third the heat of standard jalapeños. Perfect for those who love jalapeño flavor but prefer milder heat, or for introducing children to fresh peppers.

Growing Information

Days to maturity: 70-80 days from transplant (green), 90-100 days (red ripe)
Planting: Start seeds indoors 8-10 weeks before last frost; transplant when soil temperature reaches 65°F and all frost danger has passed
Spacing: 18-24 inches apart in rows 24-36 inches apart
Sun: Full sun (6-8 hours daily)
Plant type: Compact, bushy plants grow 24-30 inches tall
Zones: 3-11 (warm-season annual)

Harvest & Use

Harvest peppers when dark green and firm for mild heat and fresh flavor, or allow to ripen to red for sweeter taste with slightly more warmth. The thick-walled peppers are perfect for fresh salsas, nachos, and Mexican cuisine where you want jalapeño flavor without overwhelming heat. Excellent for pickling, making mild jalapeño poppers, stuffing with cream cheese, slicing fresh onto sandwiches and burgers, or adding to family-friendly dishes. Each plant produces 30-40 peppers throughout the season. Store fresh peppers in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks, or pickle, freeze, or dry for long-term storage.

Care Tips

Tam Jalapeño peppers thrive in warm, well-drained soil enriched with compost. Water consistently and deeply, providing 1-2 inches per week, especially during flowering and fruit set. Mulch around plants to conserve moisture and maintain even soil temperature. Side-dress with compost when plants begin flowering. The compact, bushy plants rarely need staking. Companion plant with basil, onions, carrots, or tomatoes for natural pest management. Avoid planting near beans or kohlrabi. Peppers need consistent warmth for best production – temperatures below 55°F can slow growth.

Why Choose Tam Jalapeño Mild Peppers

This university-developed variety offers authentic jalapeño flavor and appearance with significantly reduced heat, making it perfect for families, heat-sensitive individuals, and anyone who wants to enjoy fresh jalapeños without the burn. The thick walls make these peppers ideal for stuffing and they hold up beautifully when pickled. Productive plants deliver impressive yields of uniform, high-quality peppers. The mild heat means you can use these peppers more liberally in cooking without overwhelming dishes. As an open-pollinated variety, you can save seeds and maintain your own mild jalapeño line for years to come.