Pre-orders for 2027 open in early January. Plants are expected to ship from mid-April.
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What makes it special?
NuMex Big Jim was released in 1975 at New Mexico State University by Roy Nakayama and is known for its exceptionally large fruit. These long, thick-walled chillies are perfect for roasting, grilling and stuffing.
The heat can vary noticeably from plant to plant and fruit to fruit. It's exactly this combination of size, juicy flesh and mild-to-medium spice that makes Big Jim a classic kitchen chilli.
Flavour & Use
NuMex Big Jim has a mild to medium chilli and pepper flavour. Its heat is variable; New Mexico State University explicitly describes the variety as differing in heat between individual plants and cites values up to around 6,500 SHU.
In the kitchen, the large fruit shows its strength: slice lengthways and stuff, prepare as chile relleno, roast over an open flame, or put it on the grill. Fully ripe red fruit is also great for drying and flakes.
Thanks to its thicker walls, roasting leaves considerably more juicy flesh than with thin-walled cayenne types.
Fruit & Plant
The fruit is long, sturdy and fleshy. On average it's around 18–20 cm, with individual fruit growing noticeably longer under very good conditions.
The plant itself stays relatively compact at around 40–70 cm and carries large fruit that starts green and turns red at full ripeness. Given the fruit weight, a stake can be useful.
Growing & Care
We recommend a sunny, warm and sheltered spot. Big Jim benefits from a long, warm season, but is usable noticeably earlier than many superhots, since the fruit can also be harvested green and roasted.
For pot growing, plan at least 8 litres, ideally 10 litres; 15–20 litres is ideal for vigorous plants and large fruit. Water evenly, avoid waterlogging, and feed regularly during fruiting.
With heavy fruit load, it can be worth tying in or supporting the main stems.
Variety Data
Botanical species: Capsicum annuum
Origin: New Mexico, USA
Breeder: Roy Nakayama / New Mexico State University
Release: 1975
Heat: mild to medium-hot, variable
Scoville: up to approx. 6,500 SHU, depending on the plant and conditions
Flavour: mild and spicy, pepper-like, aromatic
Fruit colour: green → red
Fruit size: on average approx. 18–20 cm, individual fruit noticeably longer
Fruit shape: very long, sturdy, fleshy, tapering towards the end
Plant height: approx. 40–70 cm
Growth: compact to medium-vigorous
Ripening time: medium
Position: sunny, warm and sheltered
Suitable for: pot, patio, raised bed, greenhouse and outdoor beds
Pot size: at least 8 litres, ideally 10 litres; 15–20 litres ideal
Use: roasting, grilling, stuffing, chiles rellenos, drying and flakes
Overwintering: possible frost-free
Special feature: famous large-fruited NuMex variety with Guinness history
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NuMex Big Jim - Chilli Plant
Regular price€3,99 EUR
Regular priceSale price€3,99 EUR
WANT TO LEARN MORE?
NuMex Big Jim – a large New Mexico chilli for roasting and stuffing
The NuMex Big Jim chilli plant was released in 1975 at New Mexico State University by Roy Nakayama. The variety became known above all for its exceptionally long fruit – a trait that made Big Jim a classic for chiles rellenos and roasted green chillies.
How hot is NuMex Big Jim?
Big Jim's heat isn't fully consistent. New Mexico State University describes differences between individual plants and cites values up to around 6,500 SHU. That keeps the variety versatile in the kitchen and clearly below classic hot chilli types.
Long, fleshy fruit
Botanically, Big Jim belongs to Capsicum annuum. The fruit is long, sturdy and fleshy and tapers towards the tip. On average it measures around 18–20 cm, and individual fruit can grow considerably longer under very good conditions. It ripens from green to red, while the plant itself stays relatively compact at around 40–70 cm.
Ideal for roasting and stuffing
The large, fleshy fruit roasts beautifully over an open flame or on the grill and can then be peeled. For stuffing, Big Jim is an exciting alternative to Ancho Poblano. If you'd rather harvest small green frying peppers, the Pimiento de Padrón offers a completely different kitchen classic. Thanks to its thicker walls, far more juicy flesh remains after roasting than with thin-walled varieties such as Cayenne.
Harvesting green or red
Big Jim can be used much earlier than many superhots, because the fruit can also be harvested and roasted green. Fully ripe red fruit is also great for drying and for chilli flakes – our guide to drying chillies shows how.
Large fruit needs good feeding
Enough root room, even watering and regular nutrients help the plant develop its large fruit. We recommend a sunny, warm and sheltered spot and at least 8, ideally 10 litres of pot volume; 15–20 litres is ideal for vigorous plants and large fruit. With a heavy crop, tie up or support the main shoots if needed. You'll find more varieties among our chilli plants, raised by us.
Absolutely recommended! I’m completely impressed with this chili plant seller. The quality of the plants is outstanding – strong, healthy, and clearly grown with passion and expertise.
The absolute highlight for me, however, was that this seller is one of the few places that offers my all-time favorite variety, the Lemon Drop chili. I’ve finally found a reliable source for this fantastic variety!
Shipping was fast, and the plants were perfectly packaged, so they arrived in excellent condition. I can wholeheartedly recommend this seller to any chili lover looking for top quality and fast delivery. I will definitely be ordering here again!
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“My annual joy has arrived – little chili plants, grown with so much love!”
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Thank you so much for your wonderful service! I’m already looking forward to ordering again next year.
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I’ve been buying my chili powder from the Tschida family for years, and it’s the best you can get. The family is always very friendly and helpful as well. I can wholeheartedly recommend their products to everyone.
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#1 Spice supplier
Super friendly service when buying chili plants, and the products are truly excellent. My #1 source for heat :) The ultimate compliment came from an Indian colleague who said that with Tschida chili sauces, he can finally enjoy the level of heat he knows from home here in Europe!
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Simply top!
Tschida Tschili – where heat and flavor come together in perfect harmony. The chili products are simply outstanding. I love spicy food, but many products just burn your tongue without delivering any real flavor. With Tschida Tschili, it’s completely different. For an experienced palate, everything is very enjoyable. The flavors are perfectly matched to the level of heat, resulting in truly delicious products.
I visit the farm from time to time as part of my culinary tours with groups. What can I say? Jan and his family are simply the perfect hosts – friendly, authentic, and genuinely local. I always really enjoy visiting you!
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WE'RE CELEBRATING!
More than just chillies is growing here right now: our new headquarters and our new greenhouse are taking shape. With our topping-out celebration we're marking an important milestone – and we'd love you to share in it!
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