As you say, crossing won't affect pods, only seeds. On the same plant, regardless of whether it's the first crop or three years later, crossing will not have any effect on the plant or the pods.

If, however, you then go and plant the seeds from a plant that has crossed then the pods on the new plant may indeed be quite different from what you were expecting.

To try to answer what I think you're asking, you will never have a problem with cross pollination unless you plan to grow new plants from seeds you harvest yourself. If you're growing each year from packet seed crossing is never going to be an issue for you.

One way to minimise cross pollination is to put your plants a long, long way apart. Insects can travel many, many miles, but obviously your risks decrease the greater the distance you put between the different varieties.

If you can't afford six different properties in different parts of the state and you want to save seeds for planting next years crop, cover a branch with some old panty hose before any flowers have opened. Pollinate the flowers yourself by rubbing them lightly with a cotton bud. Seeds from pods covered and pollinated in this way will breed true.

Once the peppers have started growing you can take the stockings off if you like, but remember to mark the branch so you know which pods you need to harvest for seed!

Thanks so much. That's exactly what I needed to know. I read the FAQ and some posts about crossing but I just needed a little clarification.

Now I'm wondering how my Jalapeno will turn out. I sprouted it from seeds harvested from my mother's 1 year old plant. She wasn't growing any other peppers, but who knows what the neighbors are up to. I'm going to stick with it. It's a good 4.5" tall now and seems very happy. Maybe i'll be pleasently surprised. Thanks again!