Whether you know them as poblano, ancho or mulato, these peppers are a colorful addition to your garden and a delicious one for your kitchen. Capsicum annuum is a member of the nightshade family, kissing cousin to tomatoes and eggplant. When they are still green and immature, they are known as poblano. As they mature and turn red, they are anchos, and, if you allow them to continue to the dark brown stage, they are mulato. At all stages, they have a mild, smoky flavor -- rated between 1000 and 1500 on the Scoville scale -- that is perfect for making chiles rellenos, chili powder or mole sauces. When spot-planted, they also add gorgeous splashes of color to the garden. Harvest in 75 to 80 days.
Plant Description and Growth Habits
Ancho plants have green stems and leaves, along with white flowers. The plants grow to about 24 to 30 inches tall and 2 feet wide. The peppers have firm, thick walls that make them perfect for stuffing, and they grow to about 4 inches long and 2 inches wide.
If you plant ancho peppers in the spring, starting them indoors about 8 weeks before the last frost, they produce all summer, if you provide plenty of water and sunlight. If your area regularly has night-time temperatures below 60 degrees or above 75 degrees, or if your day-time temps soar over 90 degrees, consider growing anchos in pots that you can move to cooler spots during the day or warmer ones at night; otherwise, they may not set fruit as generously.
Pests and Diseases
For the most part, ancho peppers are pest-free. However, keep a watch for aphids, slugs, pill bugs and leafminers, all of which might munch on the plant's leaves. If your area has high humidity, the plants may be more susceptible to fungal diseases like leafspot.
Uses of Ancho Peppers
As mentioned, these peppers are perfect for chiles rellenos; simply stuff them with meat or cheese, dip them in an egg batter, and fry them until they are golden-brown. They are also delicious filled with cheese and baked without the batter. Puree them with a mole sauce for that touch of pepper flavor without excessive heat.
Extend the life of your anchos by drying them. You can use a home food dehydrator for this task, or pop them into the oven, on a cookie sheet, and bake them at 150 degrees for several hours, until they are thoroughly dry. You can also place them in the sun or even on a sunny windowsill for several days to dry them. Store the dried peppers in an air-tight container or grind them up for chili powder.
- Type: Pepper (Hot)
- Heirloom: Yes
- Color: Green
- Height: 24" - 30" Tall
- Harvest: 75 - 80 Days
- Fruit Size: 4" long, 2" wide
- Environment: Full Sun
SOWING THE SEED
Peppers are best started indoors, in a controlled environment, 6 to 8 weeks prior to the last frost. To prevent root shock, sow your seeds in peat pots, at a depth of 1/4” under topsoil. Transplant when the weather is warm and the plants are about 1 foot tall. Stakes can be used to support your young plants, to ensure proper growth. Check below for additional info on spacing & growth habits.
GROWING CONDITIONS
Pepper plants will thrive in the heat of summer, so they should receive full sunlight for the majority of the day, with temperatures of at least 75F or more. A soil that is rich in organic matter is best, with a pH level of at least 6.2 and 7.0. Also make sure that your sowing medium is well drained, or your plants can wilt due to being waterlogged. Water your pepper seeds daily to provide them with ample amounts of moisture until germination has occurred.
GERMINATION & GROWTH
Pepper seeds typically take anywhere between 14 to 28 days to germinate. After your seedlings start to grow, they will mature to an estimated height of roughly 24 to 30 inches tall. On average, Pepper plants can be spaced 18 to 24 inches apart from one another, in rows spaced 18 inches apart. These plants do very well when grown directly in the garden, or in large pots and containers as well.
Front Side
Seed packets by Seed Needs are beautifully illustrated and provide a colorful depiction of the variety inside. We provide the common name, as well as the scientific name, seed quantity and a few specs about the variety to be grown.
Back Side
Each packet contains full growing instructions on the reverse side. Specifications on sowing the seed, growing conditions such as sunlight and moisture preferences and germination and growth information can be found as well. We also provide a QR to scan for easy reordering.
- Always Non-GMO / Untreated.
- Stored in a temperature controlled facility that's free of moisture.
- Always packaged for the current and the following growing seasons.
- True to the varieties advertised.
- 99% pure seed with no added fillers.
- Always Non-GMO / Untreated.
- Stored in a temperature controlled facility that's free of moisture.
- Always packaged for the current and the following growing seasons.
- True to the varieties advertised.
- 99% pure seed with no added fillers.
Always fresh and intended for the current and following growing seasons. Seeds are packaged in water resistant / tear resistant packaging.
Heirlooms are varieties that have been purposely bred, selected and passed down from generation to generation. They are wholesome picks that will breed true to the parent seed every time.
Seed Needs never knowingly purchases treated seeds products. We also do not treat any of our seed products with substances such as neonicotinoid or thyram.
Seed Needs promises to never knowingly purchase or supply genetically modified seed products. We take the Safe Seed Pledge!
A SEED COMPANY ON A MISSION FOR CHANGE
Seed Needs has been providing gardeners with quality seed products since 2010 and has shipped millions of packets to happy customers all over the US. We offer flowers, herbs, vegetables, vines, wildflower blends, seed packet collections and seed packet favors.
With the success of our brand, we have kept our promise to continually donate to different organizations and personally sponsor children all over the globe each and every month. We grew our sponsorships from just 1 child to over 100 children worldwide in only a few years. We would like to sincerely thank all who support us because it wouldn't be possible without you!
Check out our charitable contributions!
A SEED COMPANY ON A
MISSION FOR CHANGE
Seed Needs has been providing gardeners with quality seed products since 2010 and has shipped millions of packets to happy customers all over the US. We offer flowers, herbs, vegetables, vines, wildflower blends, seed packet collections and seed packet favors.
With the success of our brand, we have kept our promise to continually donate to different organizations and personally sponsor children all over the globe each and every month. We grew our sponsorships from just 1 child to over 100 children worldwide in only a few years. We would like to sincerely thank all who support us because it wouldn't be possible without you!
Check out our charitable contributions!