How hot is NuMex Lemon Spice Jalapeño?

Capsi’s sourced range is 25,086 SHU (Lab-verified). 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

How do I grow NuMex Lemon Spice Jalapeño?

NuMex Lemon Spice Jalapeño: about 65 days to maturity, warm temperate climate, full sun, hardiness zones 5-10.

What can I substitute for NuMex Lemon Spice Jalapeño?

Capsi does not have that recorded yet.

NuMex Lemon Spice Jalapeño (NuMex Lemon Spice)

Also known as NuMex Lemon Spice Jalapeño · NuMex Lemon Spice

NuMex Lemon Spice Jalapeño is a bright yellow-maturing jalapeño cultivar bred by the Chile Pepper Institute at New Mexico State University, offering citrusy flavor notes and mild-to-medium heat in a compact, productive plant.

Growing

~65 days to maturity

Fruit size

5–8 cm

Flavor & Use

Features bright citrus and lemon undertones with fruity sweetness, balanced mild-to-medium heat, and a clean flavor often compared to spicy candy or bright jalapeño with a twist.

citrusyfruitylemon notesmildly sweetbalanced heat

Culinary

Ideal for fresh salsassaladsgrillingand especially pickling where the vibrant yellow color creates beautiful contrast in jars. The fruity citrus notes elevate saucesrelishesand everyday cooking. Also valued for edible landscaping due to colorful fruit and compact habit.

About

The NuMex Lemon Spice Jalapeño is an open-pollinated jalapeño-type chile (Capsicum annuum) released in 2015 from the New Mexico State University Chile Pepper Breeding Program. It was developed through hybridization of 'Permagreen' bell pepper and 'Early Jalapeño' beginning in 1995, using pedigree breeding with three backcrosses and extensive single-plant selection for desirable jalapeño fruit traits and the unique bright yellow mature color. Fruits are green when immature and ripen to a vivid yellow (Munsell 5Y 7/10), lacking the corky reticulation common in many jalapeños for smoother skin. Average fruit length is 6.1 cm with medium wall thickness (2.3-2.6 mm) and compact plant height of 36-45 cm. The variety is noted for its citrusy flavor undertones, productivity, and value in providing novel color for fresh market sales, pickling, and culinary applications where visual appeal matters.

Backstory

Developed starting in 1995 at the New Mexico State University Chile Pepper Breeding Program through crosses of 'Permagreen' bell pepper and 'Early Jalapeño', followed by multiple generations of pedigree selection and backcrossing to stabilize jalapeño pod type and the novel bright yellow mature fruit color. Released in 2015 as part of the NuMex Spice series (alongside Orange Spice and Pumpkin Spice) to offer unique mature colors for market differentiation and visual appeal in fresh produce.

Appearance

ShapeCylindrical to slightly tapered with rounded tip

ColorGreen · Yellow

Size5–8 cm

WallMedium

SkinSmooth

Growing

SunFull

WaterModerate

ClimateWarm temperate

Days to maturity65 days

Plant height36–60 cm

Soil pH6–7.5

Germination7–21 days

Spacing40 cm

HardinessZones 5-10

Heritage

Explore

NuMex Lemon Spice Jalapeño is a backcross involving Permagreen and Early Jalapeño.

Paul W. Bosland and Danise Coon, Chile Pepper Institute, New Mexico State University · 2015

Parents

Sources

FAQ

How hot is NuMex Lemon Spice Jalapeño?: Capsi’s sourced range is 25,086 SHU (Lab-verified). 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 NuMex Lemon Spice Jalapeño taste like?: Features bright citrus and lemon undertones with fruity sweetness, balanced mild-to-medium heat, and a clean flavor often compared to spicy candy or bright jalapeño with a twist.
How do I grow NuMex Lemon Spice Jalapeño?: NuMex Lemon Spice Jalapeño: about 65 days to maturity, warm temperate climate, full sun, hardiness zones 5-10.
What can I substitute for NuMex Lemon Spice Jalapeño?: Capsi does not have that recorded yet.