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Botanical Interests

Megatron Jalapeño Chile Pepper Seeds

Megatron Jalapeño Chile Pepper Seeds

Regular price $4.49
Sale price $4.49 Regular price
(~10 seeds)
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Product Details

Producing extra-large, thickwalled, flavorful chile peppers that reach 4 ½" long, 'Megatron' lives up to its name! Earlier to harvest than some jalapeños, this variety is quick to produce an abundance of peppers, ripe for stuffing! Taco Stuffed Jalapeño recipe inside packet. Jalapeños rate 2,500–5,000 Scoville heat units (medium hot). High resistance to bacterial leaf spot races 0-3 and tobamovirus.

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  • Variety Info
  • Sowing Info
  • Growing Info

Variety Info

Days to Maturity: 65 days from transplanting

Family: Solanaceae, Nightshade family, includes tomatoes, potatoes, petunias, nicotiana, Chinese lantern, and eggplant.

Type: Under 5000 Scoville Units, Chile Pepper (Learn more)

Native: Americas

Hardiness: Frost-sensitive perennial grown as an annual

Exposure: Full sun

Plant Dimensions: 18"‒36" tall, 12"‒24" wide

Variety Info: 4 ½" long, 1 ½" wide at the shoulder tapering to a rounded tip; peppers start out dark green turning to red if left to mature on the plant. Red jalapeños are slightly sweeter and spicier. The popular chipotle pepper is a dried, smoked, red jalapeño. 'Megatron' is a medium-hot pepper at 2,500-2,500 Scoville heat units. Pepper heat varies depending on growing conditions.

Attributes: Bacterial Leaf Spot Resistant, Tobamovirus Resistant, Frost Sensitive, Good for Containers

Sowing Info

When to Sow Outside: For mild climates only: 2 to 4 weeks after your average last frost date, when soil temperature is at least 70°F.

When to Start Inside: RECOMMENDED. 8 to 10 weeks before transplanting. Ideal soil temperature for germination is 70°‒90°F. Transplant seedlings outside 2 to 4 weeks after your average last frost date, and when daytime temperatures are at least 70°F, and nighttime temperatures are at least 55°F. Mild Climates: Can also sow in late summer for fall/winter crop.

Days to Emerge: 10 – 25 days

Seed Depth: ¼"

Seed Spacing: Start indoors

Row Spacing: 24" ‒ 36"

Thinning: Start indoors, plant seedlings 18" ‒ 24" apart outside

Growing Info

Harvesting: Harvest when mature size and firm. Jalapeños can be harvested green or red, and are hottest just when they begin to turn from green to red. When harvesting, take care to avoid touching the interior of any broken peppers, as the capsaicin is an extreme irritant, especially to the eyes. Wash hands thoroughly after harvesting or wear gloves to harvest peppers.

Special Care: Pepper seed germinates best in very warm soil. Either use a heat mat under your seed starting tray or place tray in a warm room. Do not overwater, but keep soil just slightly moist. Make sure the potting containers are big enough that the plants’ roots will not be constricted; if seedlings become rootbound, the plants’ growth may be stunted.

4.1
Rated 4.1 out of 5 stars
Based on 44 reviews
Total 5 star reviews: 30 Total 4 star reviews: 2 Total 3 star reviews: 5 Total 2 star reviews: 1 Total 1 star reviews: 6
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44 reviews
  • Amy
    Verified Buyer
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    Mar 24, 2025
    5 Stars

    I bought my BI Megatron Jalapeno seeds last year (2024). Last year, I had to do two rounds of starts as my typical method was rendering terrible germination results for everything I started. (I blame the soil.) Because of this, I bought extra seeds, just in case I needed to try for a 3rd round. My plants from last year were crazy prolific. We had more jalapenos - the biggest jalapenos that I've ever grown - than I knew what to do with, and we still have jalapenos from last year in the freezer. Anyway, I never had to do the 3rd round last year and have left over Megatron seeds from 2024. About 7 weeks ago I started one pack of seeds and 9/10 seeds germinated. I used left over seed starting mix from last year and added Trifecta from MIGardener. Additionally, I did not over winter any of last year's plants, and did nothing to protect them, knowing I would start fresh in Jan/Feb. To my surprise, one of last year's Megatron's survived both of our 17-20°F cold fronts and is coming back (pictured). I was attracted to this variety by the name, and I'm glad I gave it a chance.

    -Amy, Houston, TX

  • Hettie
    Verified Buyer
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    Feb 11, 2025
    5 Stars

    Botanical interests seeds have been the standout of the various seed companies I ordered from as a beginner. I’m starting everything in a warm laundry room under a daylight lamp, so a very unprofessional setup. I think I had one jalapeño seed fail to germinate of this pack. My BI jalapeño seeds are also noticeably larger and healthier looking than the other varieties (see photo), and that’s been the case with eggplant and onions as well. Really enjoying this company’s seeds, my only worry is that my starts will outgrow my laundry room at this rate!

  • Lisa L.
    Verified Buyer
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    Jan 8, 2025
    5 Stars

    Three plants gave me 11 canned half pints of peppers. Very prolific!

  • Michael V.
    Verified Buyer
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    Aug 12, 2024
    5 Stars

    My seed germination rate (50%) wasn’t the greatest but the ones that made it are amazing. I have harvested 5” fruits from these 3-ft tall plants. Yield is significant. Highly recommended. If you love jalapeños, this is the one to consider.

    Which best describes you as a gardener? Intermediate
  • Fabian E.
    Verified Buyer
    Rated 4 out of 5 stars
    Jul 13, 2024
    4 Stars

    I immediately went on a journey for the biggest genetics possible I want it big tomatoes peppers carrots The varieties were good but would appreciate a little more availability on the bigger plants they seem to be sold out quicker

    Which best describes you as a gardener? Intermediate