Pepper · Hot-pepper

Big Jim Hatch Chile

Annual · Solanaceae

Big Jim is the famous New Mexico chile known for very long meaty pods, moderate approachable heat, and roasting quality. It carries real Southwest cultural weight through Hatch chile traditions and chile rellenos, but it is still beginner-friendly because the heat is mild enough for broad home-kitchen use.

At a Glance

Days to Maturity

70–75 days

Sun

8+ hours

full sun 8+ hours, with reflected heat or a warm wall helpful in cooler zones

Spacing

18–24 "

Seed Start

8–12 weeks

before transplant

Container

Not Ideal

5+ gallon pot

Height

2–3 ft

Zone Planting Guide

Your USDA Zone:

Growing Guide

Germination

Germination Time 7–21 days

Optimal Temp 85°F

Seed Depth 0.25"

Transplanting

Min Soil Temp 65°F

Harden Off 7 days

Watering

Weekly Water 1–1.5 "

Needs Consistent

Method Drip

Soil

pH Range 6–6.8

Soil Type Warm, fertile, well-drained loam rich in organic matter.

Resilience

Heat: High Cold: Low Drought: Low

Common Problems

blossom-drop

Cause: Cool nights after transplanting or drought at bloom can reduce pod set.

Prevention: Wait for warm soil, protect from cold snaps, and keep irrigation even.

sunscald

Cause: Pods exposed after leaf loss can bleach in intense sun.

Prevention: Keep foliage healthy and avoid rough pruning.

Nutrition

Feeding Intensity Heavy feeder

Calcium Critical — supplement recommended

Recommended Recipes Root drench, Silica foliar, Worm castings topdress

Harvest

Harvest green for classic roasted Hatch-style chiles or let fruit turn red for drying and deeper flavor.

Expected Yield 3–6 lbs/plant

Storage 10 days — Refrigerate dry fruit in a ventilated bag; for long keeping, freeze whole or dry.

Sources

seed_catalog Chile Pepper Institute university University of Maryland Extension

More Peppers

Big Jim Hatch Chile Planting Dates by Zone

Planting dates for Big Jim Hatch Chile vary by USDA hardiness zone. Select your zone below for frost dates, start-indoors timing, and a full monthly planting calendar.

Zone 5A Zone 5B Zone 6A Zone 6B Zone 7A Zone 7B Zone 8A Zone 8B Zone 9A Zone 9B

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