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Hot Pepper 'NuMex Big Jim'

Capsicum annuum 'NuMex Big Jim'

Developed at New Mexico State University, this record-holding chile can grow up to 12 inches long and holds the Guinness World Record for largest chile pepper. With mild to moderate heat and meaty flesh, it's the ultimate pepper for stuffing, roasting, or making authentic New Mexican cuisine.

Harvest

80-85d

Days to harvest

📅

Sun

Blossom-End Rot of Tomato

☀️

Zones

4–11

USDA hardiness

🗺️

Height

1-3 feet

📏

Planting Timeline

Zone:

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Start Indoors

Transplant

Harvest

Start Indoors

Transplant

Harvest

Showing dates for Hot Pepper 'NuMex Big Jim' in USDA Zone 7

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Zone Map

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Hot Pepper 'NuMex Big Jim' · Zones 4–11

What grows well in Zone 7? →

Growing Details

Difficulty

Moderate

Spacing18-24 inches

SoilSandy loam with good drainage and organic matter

pH6.5-7.5

Water1-2 inches per week, deep watering preferred

SeasonWarm season

FlavorMild to moderate heat (2,500-3,000 Scoville) with rich, earthy flavor

ColorGreen ripening to red

Size8-12 inches long, 2 inches wide

Zone-by-Zone Planting Calendar

Zone	Indoor Start	Transplant	Direct Sow	Harvest
Zone 3	April – April	June – July	—	September – October
Zone 4	March – April	June – June	—	September – October
Zone 5	March – March	May – June	—	August – October
Zone 6	March – March	May – June	—	August – October
Zone 7	February – March	April – May	—	July – September
Zone 8	February – February	April – May	—	July – September
Zone 9	January – January	March – April	—	June – August
Zone 10	January – January	February – March	—	May – July

Complete Growing Guide

Light: Blossom-End Rot of Tomato, Pepper, and Watermelon. Soil: Clay, High Organic Matter, Loam (Silt), Sand. Soil pH: Acid (<6.0), Alkaline (>8.0), Neutral (6.0-8.0). Drainage: Good Drainage. Water: KAP-sih-kum AN-yoo-um. Height: 1 ft. 0 in. - 3 ft. 8 in.. Spread: 0 ft. 6 in. - 1 ft. 0 in.. Spacing: 12 inches-3 feet. Growth rate: Medium. Maintenance: 'Aurora', 'Basket of Fire', 'Black Pearl', 'Buena Mulata', 'Calico', 'California Wonder', 'Candelabra', Cerasiforme Group, 'Chilly Chili', Conioides Group, 'Early Jalapeno', Fasciculatum Group, Grossum Group, 'Hot Returns', Longum Group, 'Mad Hatter', 'Purple Flash', 'Sweet orange', 'Sweet Sunset'. Propagation: Seed. Regions: Coastal, Mountains, Piedmont.

Harvesting

Fruits are a non-pulpy berry and vary considerably across cultivars. Some are long, thin, bright red, and spicy; others are thick, large, and sweet-tasting; others still are small and in ornamental shapes and colors, grown as decoration.

Color: 'Aurora', 'Basket of Fire', 'Black Pearl', 'Buena Mulata', 'Calico', 'California Wonder', 'Candelabra', Cerasiforme Group, 'Chilly Chili', Conioides Group, 'Early Jalapeno', Fasciculatum Group, Grossum Group, 'Hot Returns', Longum Group, 'Mad Hatter', 'Purple Flash', 'Sweet orange', 'Sweet Sunset'. Type: Berry. Length: 1-3 inches. Width: < 1 inch.

Garden value: Edible, Good Dried, Showy

Harvest time: Summer

Bloom time: Summer

Edibility: Fruits edible, but spiciness is unpredictable in intensity.

Storage & Preservation

Fresh NuMex Big Jim peppers store best in the refrigerator crisper drawer for 2-3 weeks when kept in perforated plastic bags to maintain humidity while allowing air circulation. For short-term storage, keep them on the counter for up to one week away from direct sunlight.

For long-term preservation, roasting and freezing is the traditional New Mexican method—roast over an open flame until skins blister and char, then place in plastic bags to steam before peeling. Frozen roasted peppers maintain quality for 8-10 months. Alternatively, slice fresh peppers and dehydrate at 135°F until leathery, or string whole peppers into traditional ristras for air-drying in hot, dry climates. The meaty flesh also cans beautifully—process in a pressure canner following USDA guidelines for low-acid vegetables.

History & Origin

Origin: Tropical North and South America

Advantages

+Disease resistance: Deer, Drought, Heat
+Attracts: Songbirds
+Wildlife value: Birds are immune to the capsaicin in peppers and can safely eat the fruits with no ill effects. Therefore, these plants may attract birds. Host plant for Potato Tuber Moth.
+Edible: Fruits edible, but spiciness is unpredictable in intensity.

Companion Plants

Plant Together

Basil

Repels aphids, spider mites, and thrips while potentially enhancing pepper flavor

Marigold

Deters nematodes, aphids, and whiteflies with natural compounds

Tomato

Similar growing requirements and can share support structures

Oregano

Repels cucumber beetles and provides ground cover to retain soil moisture

Parsley

Attracts beneficial insects like hoverflies and parasitic wasps

Carrots

Loosens soil around pepper roots and doesn't compete for nutrients

Nasturtium

Acts as trap crop for aphids and cucumber beetles

Chives

Repels aphids and may improve pepper growth and flavor

Keep Apart

Black Walnut

Produces juglone which is toxic to peppers and causes stunted growth

Fennel

Inhibits growth of peppers through allelopathic compounds

Brassicas

Compete for similar nutrients and may stunt pepper development

Apricot Tree

Can harbor verticillium wilt which easily spreads to pepper plants

Nutrition Facts

Calories

27kcal(1%)

Protein

1.66g(3%)

Fiber

3.4g(12%)

Carbs

5.35g(2%)

Fat

0.45g(1%)

Vitamin C

82.7mg(92%)

Vitamin A

17mcg(2%)

Vitamin K

9.5mcg(8%)

Iron

0.46mg(3%)

Calcium

14mg(1%)

Potassium

256mg(5%)

Per 100g serving. % Daily Value based on 2,000 calorie diet. Source: USDA FoodData Central (FDC #169394)

Pests & Disease Resistance

Resistance

Good adaptation to hot, dry conditions with moderate disease resistance

Common Pests

Chile thrips, aphids, pepper weevils, spider mites

Diseases

Chile wilt, bacterial leaf spot, pepper mottle virus, Verticillium wilt

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does NuMex Big Jim take to grow from seed to harvest?▼

NuMex Big Jim requires 80-85 days from transplant to first harvest, plus 6-8 weeks for indoor seed starting, totaling approximately 4-5 months from seed to mature pepper. In shorter growing seasons, start seeds indoors in late February or early March to ensure adequate time for full development before fall frost.

Can you grow NuMex Big Jim peppers in containers?▼

Yes, but use large containers of at least 20-gallon capacity to accommodate the extensive root system and support heavy fruit production. Provide sturdy staking and expect slightly smaller peppers than ground-grown plants. Container growing works especially well in northern climates where you can move plants indoors before frost to extend the harvest season.

What does NuMex Big Jim pepper taste like compared to other chiles?▼

NuMex Big Jim offers mild to moderate heat (2,500-3,000 Scoville units) with a rich, earthy flavor characteristic of New Mexican chiles. It's significantly milder than jalapeños but more flavorful than bell peppers, with a meaty texture perfect for stuffing and a complex taste that develops beautifully when roasted.

Is NuMex Big Jim good for beginners to grow?▼

NuMex Big Jim is moderately challenging and better suited for gardeners with some pepper-growing experience. While the plants are relatively forgiving once established, the long growing season, staking requirements, and specific heat needs for germination can be challenging for complete beginners. Start with smaller pepper varieties first if you're new to gardening.

When should I plant NuMex Big Jim pepper seeds?▼

Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before your last expected frost date, typically in late February to mid-March for most temperate zones. Seeds need consistent soil temperatures of 80-85°F for germination. Transplant outdoors only after soil temperatures reach 65°F and nighttime temperatures stay above 55°F consistently.

NuMex Big Jim vs Anaheim peppers - what's the difference?▼

NuMex Big Jim is essentially a super-sized version of traditional Anaheim chiles, bred specifically for larger size while maintaining similar mild heat levels and flavor profiles. Big Jim peppers can reach 12+ inches compared to Anaheim's typical 6-8 inches, have thicker walls, and require longer growing seasons but offer the same versatility for roasting and stuffing.