I am growing them in my backyard and have already picked more than I'll ever eat. Lately, the jalapenos that I've picked have been turning black on one side. Anyone know what would cause this? Are they safe to eat? This jalapeno plant is almost 6 feet tall lol and has kicked out a good number of peppers already. I was going to send some to my Dad in Iowa but wasn't sure if they were safe.

We get and eat the ones that have black on them all of the time and have never had a problem.

I have heard that the ones with black on them are hotter than the others, but I don't know that it's true or not.

This may answer your question. It looks as though you may be letting them mature on the plant too long.

http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=jalapenos+turn+black

Makes sense. During the summer they would turn red...that's when I'd pick them because I like my mouth to be on fire. Now that fall has rolled around, I haven't had any turn red in a long time. They are turning black...only on one side though.

Thanks Chuck!

I've used plenty that have started to turn black. No problems. Like Chuck said, I think it is just part of the maturation process. Kind of like green peppers turning red. I just make sure that they are still firm.

How much sunlight to jalapenos need? The patio of my apartment faces east, so they'll get the morning sun, but won't get direct sunlight after the sun is directly south. When is a good time to start? I'm new to gardening, etc., so I'll probably buy a small plant from Home Depot.

Any other advise? I know not to over-water them (they like drier places like West-Texas). My wife and I eat them everyday, so I'd really like some FRESH ones.

Come to think of it, fresh tomatoes sound good to....

That's where I plant a couple of jalapena plants....mixed right in with my tomatoes. Just make sure they get sun too....

I've always heard that the less you water them the Hotter they get. Of course, you have to keep the plant alive. Full hot sun is best.