Description
'Ancho/Poblano' peppers are a staple in Mexican cuisine, known for their rich flavor and versatility. The fresh, green poblano (3″-6″) is often stuffed with cheese or meat to make the beloved chiles rellenos, while the dark, reddish-brown dried form, known as ancho, is used in a variety of savory sauces, including the classic mole poblano. These peppers offer a mild heat, ranging from 1,000–2,000 Scoville units, making them perfect for those who enjoy a touch of spice without overwhelming heat. Grown on bushy plants that reach 24″–36″ tall, they thrive in containers and can be sown in mild climates for a fall or winter harvest.
Botanical Name: Capsicum annuum
Days to Maturity: 65–75 days from transplanting
Family: Solanaceae
Native: Americas
Hardiness: Frost-sensitive perennial grown as an annual
Plant Dimensions: 24″–36″ tall, bushy plant
Variety Information: 3″–6″ long, 2″ wide, dark green turning to reddish-brown when mature. “Ancho” means “wide”, referring to the broad, flat, heart-shaped dried pod. Poblano is the fresh, green form of the chile, mildly hot at 1,000–2,000 Scoville heat units.
Attributes: Good for Containers
When to Sow Outside: For Mild Climates only: 2 to 4 weeks after average last frost, when soil temperature is at least 70°F.
When to Start Inside: RECOMMENDED. 8 to 10 weeks before transplanting. Ideal soil temperature for germination is 70°–90°F. Transplant seedlings outside 2 to 4 weeks after your average last frost date, and when daytime temperatures are at least 70°F, and nighttime temperatures are at least 55°F. Mild Climates: May be sown in late summer for fall/winter crop.
Days to Emerge: 10–25 days from transplanting
Seed Depth: ¼”
Seed Spacing: Start indoors
Row Spacing: 24″–36″
Thinning: Start indoors, plant seedlings 18″ – 24″ apart outside
Harvesting: Harvest when peppers are dark green to reddish-brown, 3″–6″ long and 2″ wide. When harvesting, take care to avoid touching the interior of any broken peppers, as the capsaicin is an extreme irritant, especially to the eyes. Wash hands thoroughly after harvesting or wear gloves to harvest peppers.
This packet sows up to 24 plants when started indoors. 30 seeds in packet.
