Whether you want to leave it on the plant longer to allow it to mature further is up to you. Picking them earlier or later adjusts their spice level. When to harvest jalapenos? How do you know if a jalapeno pepper is ready to pick? • jalapeños reach peak heat about 40 days after fruiting; · once a jalapeño pepper has reached full size and a mature coloration (deep green or bright red) the pepper can be picked. · ** jalapeños are best picked when they are 3-5 inches long and have a deep green or red color. ** i remember my first time growing these peppers; Seeing them transition from tiny green buds to those larger, vibrant pods meant i was on the right track. · learn how to pick jalapeno peppers at the right size and color for optimum heat and taste. · wondering when to pick jalapeños ? · pick jalapeños in the earlier stages for classic heat and flavor. Find out why jalapenos can turn red, black, or rot and how to prevent it. I recommend picking peppers as soon as they reach the desired color. · whether you enjoy mild peppers or peppers that pack more of a punch, here’s exactly when to pick jalapeños to get the heat you’re after. · learn how to tell when jalapeños are ready to be harvested, how to pick them, why they turn black or crack, and other essential tips. When do jalapenos turn red? Heres how to tell when theyre ready, when to harvest varieties like mammoth jalapenos & when jalapenos are at their hottest. How do you pick a jalapeno pepper? I spent days observing their growth stages. The earliest peppers are ready when the shiny, deep green fruits are medium-sized, a bit plump, and firm under light pressure.