Big Jim (Capsicum annuum) 2L Pot

Big Jim is a New Mexican chilli variety developed for its long, broad fruit and mild to medium heat.

The peppers are normally harvested green for roasting, grilling and stuffing but can also be left on the plant to ripen to red. Under suitable growing conditions, individual fruit can become considerably longer than most commonly grown chilli varieties.

Big Jim has a relatively mild flavour compared with many hot chillies, although heat can vary noticeably between individual plants and fruit.

In the UK, Big Jim grows best in a greenhouse or polytunnel, where it can receive the warmth required to develop its large fruit.

Plant Details

Botanical name: Capsicum annuum
Common names: Big Jim Chilli, NuMex Big Jim
Plant family: Solanaceae
Habit: Bushy annual or short-lived tender perennial
Potential height: Approximately 60–90 cm under suitable conditions
Foliage: Green, pointed leaves
Flowers: Small white flowers
Fruit: Long green peppers ripening to red
Typical fruit length: Often approximately 15–25 cm under suitable conditions
Heat level: Mild to medium and naturally variable
Position: Full sun
Suitable for: Greenhouses, polytunnels, patios and large containers
Hardiness: Tender and not frost hardy

Growing Advice

Grow your Big Jim plant in fertile, well-draining compost in a warm and sunny position. Move it into a larger and relatively stable container to support the weight of the developing peppers.

Keep the compost evenly moist during active growth, flowering and fruit development. Avoid repeated drying and waterlogging.

Feed with a balanced liquid fertiliser during early growth. Change to a high-potassium tomato feed once flowers or young fruit appear.

The branches may require support once several large peppers begin to develop.

Plants grown outside should only be placed outdoors once the risk of frost has passed. A sheltered, south-facing position will give the best chance of producing mature fruit.

Big Jim is usually grown as an annual in the UK but may sometimes be overwintered in a bright, frost-free position.

Fruiting in the UK

Big Jim can produce large green fruit in the UK when provided with sufficient warmth and sunlight. Greenhouse or polytunnel cultivation provides the most reliable results.

Fruit can be harvested while green or left on the plant to ripen red. The final size and heat will vary according to growing conditions and the individual plant.

What You Will Receive

You will receive one healthy Big Jim Chilli plant growing in a 2-litre pot. Plants are typically dispatched at approximately 20–30 cm tall.

Plants may be supplied before flowering or fruiting. Size and development will vary depending on the time of year.

Important Information

The heat of Big Jim peppers is naturally variable and individual fruit may be hotter than expected.

Wear gloves when cutting or preparing ripe chillies. Avoid touching your eyes or face and wash your hands thoroughly after handling.