Pepper Chili Hatch Big Jim represents the gold standard for authentic New Mexico green chili production. Developed through rigorous breeding at New Mexico State University (NMSU), Big Jim holds the Guinness World Record as the world’s largest chili pepper variety — producing fruits up to 12 inches long and 2–3 inches wide. These exceptional heirloom peppers deliver mild-to-medium heat ranging from 15,000–30,000 Scoville units paired with a complex, rich, smoky-sweet flavor profile that distinguishes them from any commercial alternative. Heavy-producing plants bear abundant harvests of thick-walled fruits on sturdy stems built to support the weight. The variety’s large fruit size and superior flavor make it the definitive choice for roasting, green chili sauce, chile rellenos, and authentic New Mexican cuisine. Matures in approximately 85 days.

Germination Rate: 83%. Test Date: 4/26. TLM.

Why Choose Hatch Big Jim Chili Pepper?

• World Record Size: Holds the Guinness World Record for the world’s largest chili pepper — fruits up to 12 inches long and 2–3 inches wide.
• Authentic Hatch Flavor: The signature mild-to-medium heat (15,000–30,000 SHU) and smoky-sweet complexity that defines New Mexican green chili cuisine.
• University-Bred Heirloom: Developed at New Mexico State University — the most rigorously tested and refined green chili variety in existence.
• Heavy Producer: Prolific fruiting with thick-walled, substantial fruits on sturdy, well-structured plants.
• Dual-Stage Harvest: Harvest green for fresh roasting and green chili, or allow to ripen red for dried chili powder and ristras.
• Heirloom & Open-Pollinated: Save seeds year after year for a self-sustaining garden.
• Non-GMO: DNA structure never altered from natural traditional breeding methods.

Planting Tips for Success

• Sunlight: Full sun — at least 8 hours per day. Big Jim demands maximum warmth and light for optimal fruit development and size.
• Soil: Well-drained, fertile soil with a pH of 6.0–7.0. Amend with compost before planting. Avoid heavy clay soils.
• Planting: Start seeds indoors 8–10 weeks before last frost date. Use a heat mat — pepper seeds germinate best at soil temps of 80–85°F. Transplant outdoors after all frost risk has passed and nighttime temps stay above 55°F.
• Spacing: Space plants 18–24 inches apart in rows 24–36 inches apart to allow for large plant size and air circulation.
• Watering: Water deeply and consistently. Allow soil to dry slightly between waterings — peppers prefer slightly dry conditions over waterlogged soil. Inconsistent watering causes blossom drop.
• Fertilizing: Apply a balanced fertilizer at transplant. Once flowering begins, switch to a low-nitrogen, phosphorus-rich formula to encourage fruit set over foliage.
• Support: Stake plants as fruits develop — the large, heavy fruits can weigh down and snap branches without support.
• Harvesting: Harvest green at 85 days for authentic Hatch green chili flavor. Allow to ripen red on the vine for a sweeter, more complex dried chili. Roast immediately after harvest for best flavor.

Why Choose David's Garden Seeds®?

• Veteran-Owned: Supplying premium seeds since 2009.
• GO TEXAN Certified: Supporting local agriculture and communities.
• Integrity Pledge: We pledge to sell only non-GMO, open-pollinated seeds. Read our Safe Seed Integrity Pledge.
• Vegetable Seed License: All seeds sold under our standard Vegetable Seed License.

Cooking Methods & Uses

• Fire Roasting: The definitive preparation — roast whole over open flame or under broiler until charred, then peel, seed, and use in sauces, stews, and enchiladas.
• Chile Rellenos: Big Jim’s large size makes it the ideal chile relleno pepper — stuff with cheese or picadillo, batter, and fry for the classic New Mexican dish.
• Green Chili Sauce: Simmer roasted, peeled Big Jims with garlic, onion, and chicken or vegetable broth for authentic New Mexican green chili sauce — the essential topping for burritos and huevos rancheros.
• Salsa & Pico: Roast and dice into fresh salsas for a mild, smoky chili flavor with depth far beyond jalapeño.
• Drying & Powder: Allow fruits to ripen red, dry, and grind into pure New Mexico red chili powder for enchilada sauce and seasoning blends.
• Ristras: String ripened red fruits into traditional New Mexican ristras for decorative display and long-term drying and storage.

Order Hatch Big Jim Chili Pepper Seeds Today

Order yours today and grow your own authentic Hatch Big Jim chili peppers in your spring and fall gardens.

Nutritional Information

(Applies to harvested green chili pepper, not seeds. Per 1 medium green chili pepper, approx. 45g.)

• Calories: 18
• Total Fat: 0.1g
• Sodium: 3mg
• Total Carbohydrate: 4.3g
• Dietary Fiber: 0.7g
• Total Sugars: 2.4g
• Protein: 0.9g
• Vitamin C: 182% DV
• Vitamin B6: 12% DV
• Vitamin A: 5% DV

Important Disclosures

• Variety Disclaimer: Heat levels vary with growing conditions, soil, and climate. Hotter, drier conditions increase Scoville units; cool, moist conditions produce milder fruits. Growing results may vary.
• Seed Storage: Store seeds in a cool, dry location. Properly stored seeds maintain viability for 2–3 years.
• Planting Zones: Grown as a warm-season annual in all USDA zones. Best in Zones 5–11; particularly productive in Zones 7–11 with long, hot growing seasons. Big Jim thrives in the heat of Texas and the Southwest.

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