The Chile Pepper Institute

06/08/2026

We're ready! 🧅
The public is welcome to attend the Onion Research Workshop THIS Wednesday, June 10th 8am-11am!! The fields will be open and researchers on site presenting their most recent research projects and to answer any of your Onion growing questions! 🌱
The Chile Pepper Institute will be open with Onion Seeds available for purchase!

05/25/2026

📢 We'll be closed today, Monday, May 25, 2026, in honor of Memorial Day. 🇺🇸🙏

Let's all take a moment to remember and honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. ❤️

We will resume normal business hours tomorrow, Tuesday, May 26th, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Thank you, and please honor responsibly.🌶️

05/21/2026

🌱 Dig into the Future of Farming! 🌾
Ever wondered how we can boost yields and sustainability? Join us at the NMSU Leyendecker Plant Science Research Center for an exciting Field Day on June 3rd! 📅

🔍 What’s in store?

🌶Get a front-row seat to a decade-long soil health study.
🌶See how cover crops, no-till practices, and amendments are shaping the future of farming.
🌶Chat one-on-one with researchers and get your burning questions answered!
🌍 Let’s grow smarter, together! Don’t miss this chance to see science in action.
📍 Where: NMSU Leyendecker Plant Science Research Center
7200 Plant Science Cir, La Mesa, NM 88044
📅 When: Wednesday, June 3rd, 7:30am-12:00pm
👉 Who: YOU! (Open to the public!)
Tag a friend who loves dirt (the good kind) and let’s make this the most productive Field Day yet! 🌿✨

05/05/2026

Discover the NuMex Cinco De Mayo chile! 🌶️
This dwarf ornamental chile pepper thrives in pots, on windowsills, or anywhere with full sunlight. Bred for beauty, it’s still edible—making it a perfect gift for chile lovers and gardeners!
At the Chile Pepper Institute, our mission is to educate the world about chile peppers. Help us spread the spice! 🌍✨

05/04/2026

Taking care of your mental health 🧠 is *more* important than taking care of your chile plants 🌶️
Just sayin' 💁
Heretohelpnm.com

Happy Mental Health Month!! It can be hard to maintain a healthy mental state, especially when you don't have a lot of resources. That's why we created a website featuring trusted resources for New Mexican agriculturalists. Everyone needs peace of mind, support, and happiness. Take some time today to prioritize your mental health!!
Heretohelpnm.com

05/02/2026

🌱💧 Chile Chat Alert: Master Your Fields! 💧🌱

Irrigation, Soil, Water, and Salinity Management

🗓️ Wednesday, May 6 | 10:00–11:30 AM

📍 Fabian Garcia Research Center, Las Cruces, NM | OR via Zoom

Growers, this one’s for you! Join us for the next Chile Chat as Dana Porter, Ph.D. breaks down the essentials of irrigation, soil health, water efficiency, and salinity management—key tools to boost your chile crop’s resilience and yield!
Whether you’re battling dry conditions, fine-tuning your soil, or just passionate about sustainable farming, this session will equip you with practical, science-backed strategies to keep your chiles thriving.

🌶️ Why attend?

Expert insights from a leader in agricultural science
Actionable tips for water and soil management
Networking with fellow chile enthusiasts
Monthly knowledge to stay ahead in the industry

📅 Save the date! Chile Chats happen the first Wednesday of every month—don’t miss out!

📍 In-Person: Fabian Garcia Research Center, 500 W College Ave, Las Cruces, NM

💻 Online: via Zoom, Meeting ID: 842 9079 5154

Let’s dig deep and grow smarter together! 🌿

04/25/2026

🔥 Spice up your Saturday! 🔥

The Chile Pepper Institute is bringing the heat to the 2026 NMSU College of ACES Open House—TOMORROW, April 25, 9am–12pm at Gerald Thomas Hall (940 College Ave, our old home!).

🌶️ What’s happening?

Ag in the Classroom joins us to teach the little ones all about New Mexico chile—fun, hands-on learning!

Blind Chile Tasting Challenge—think you know your chiles? Put your taste buds to the test!

We will also have some tomato & eggplant garden starts for those who missed our plant sale last weekend! 🍅🍆 🌱

Come for the chile, stay for the fun! See you there! 🌿🔥

04/21/2026

Stay connected & support CPI—near or far!

📩 Email us to get updates on next year’s plant sale, pre-sale options, and more! [email protected]

📍 Visit us at the Fabian Garcia Research Center, 113 W University Ave, Las Cruces, NM to explore all things chile!

💚 Become a CPI Member—donate to receive our biannual newsletter, rare seeds, a CPI decal, and more! cpi.nmsu.edu "Support our Mission"

🛒 Shop our online store for chile seeds, sauces, salsas, gifts, and more! [email protected] "Online Store"

12/24/2025

🌶️ Holiday Closure Announcement 🌶️

The Chile Pepper Institute will be closed for the holidays December 24 through January 5, and will reopen at 9:00 AM.

🛒 Online orders will continue to be accepted and will be processed and shipped in the order they are received once we return.

We wish all of our followers, supporters, and fellow chile heads a very happy holiday season—see you next year! 🎉🌶️

12/23/2025

Need a last-minute gift? 🌶️🎁

The Chile Pepper Institute is open today, December 23, until 4:00 PM—perfect for the chile lover on your list!

Shop our unique selection including salsa, hot sauce, chile-lime crickets (yes, real crickets!), chile-scented candles, one-of-a-kind chile jewelry, socks, and seeds. There’s something for everyone!

Happy Holidays from the whole team at CPI!🌶️