Mattapeño
Also known as Mattapeño · Mattapeno · Variegated Jalapeño
The Mattapeño is a striking variegated jalapeño discovered in a US commercial greenhouse by Matt Ohlendorf. It features heavily marbled white-and-green leaves, purple stems, and green-striped pods that ripen to red with classic earthy flavor and medium heat. Prized for its ornamental beauty and versatility in pickling, salsas, and stuffing.
About 1/3.7 the typical heat of a Capsi Jalapeño (25,086 SHU).
Growing
~75 days to maturity
Fruit size
5–6.5 cm
Flavor & Use
Earthy with a hint of sweetness when fully ripe, balancing its medium heat with classic jalapeño notes.
Culinary
About
The Mattapeño, also known as Mattapeno, is a captivating Capsicum annuum cultivar developed through selective breeding from a natural mutation found in a commercial greenhouse. The plant features heavily variegated leaves with creamy white and green patterns, often accompanied by purple stems, making it a favorite among ornamental pepper growers. The pods are traditional jalapeño-shaped, starting green with vertical white stripes and corking as they mature, eventually ripening to a deep red. With a Scoville range of 5,000 to 11,000 SHU, it delivers a balanced heat that is earthy and subtly sweet when fully ripe. This pepper excels in pickling, stuffing, salsas, grilling, and fresh use. Plants grow to 3-4 feet tall, are prolific producers, and thrive in containers or gardens with full sun and moderate watering. Discovered and stabilized by Matt Ohlendorf, it has become popular in the hot pepper community for its unique aesthetics and reliable performance. It is a slow starter that does not like overwatering but becomes highly productive once established.
Backstory
Discovered by Matt Ohlendorf while working in a commercial greenhouse; believed to be a natural mutation of a jalapeño plant. Stabilized through years of selection and grown out to preserve the variegated traits.
Appearance
Growing
Heritage
ExplorePeppers bred from Mattapeño
Sources
FAQ
- How hot is Mattapeño?
- Capsi’s sourced range is 2,500–11,000 SHU (Vendor Claim). Capsi uses a sourced range and a trust tier, not a single marketing number. How we verify heat: https://web.thecapsi.app/learn/heat-and-capsaicin/how-we-measure-heat
- What does Mattapeño taste like?
- Earthy with a hint of sweetness when fully ripe, balancing its medium heat with classic jalapeño notes.
- How do I grow Mattapeño?
- Mattapeño: about 75 days to maturity, warm season; performs well in northern climates climate, full sun, hardiness zones 9-11.
- What can I substitute for Mattapeño?
- Jalapeño, Serrano, Fresno