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Growing Organic Anaheim Chili Peppers in the Vegetable Garden
About two months before the final frost, sow the seeds .25 inch deep in seed-starting cells filled with a quality seed-starting mix. Use 2-3 seeds per cell. Mist with water to moisten the surface. Maintain a consistent temperature of 70-80 F (21-27 C) to promote germination. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged, and provide 14-16 hours of light daily using grow lights and/or a south-facing window.
As your seedlings grow, they must be "hardened off" before transplanting outdoors. Gradually expose the young plants to outdoor conditions to prevent transplant shock. About two weeks before the last frost date, start by placing the seedlings outside in a sheltered area for a few hours each day, gradually increasing their exposure to direct sunlight and outdoor temperatures. By the end of this period, they should be able to withstand a full day and night outside. Do not leave the seedlings out if it gets colder than 55 F.
Once the danger of frost has passed and nighttime temperatures are consistently above 50 F (10 C), it's time to transplant your Organic Anaheim Chili seedlings into a large outdoor container or the garden. Choose a sunny location with well-draining soil. If planting in containers, use pots that are at least 12 inches in diameter. Space the plants about 18-24 inches apart in rows that are 24-36 inches apart to allow for adequate air circulation and growth. Dig a hole slightly larger than the root ball of each plant, place the plant in the hole, and backfill with soil, firming it gently around the base. Water thoroughly after transplanting.
Water the plants regularly, keeping the soil consistently moist but not soggy. A deep watering once or twice a week is generally sufficient, but more frequent watering may be necessary during hot, dry periods. Avoid overhead watering, as wet foliage can encourage disease development. Retain water crystals can be used to reduce the amount of waterings needed per week. Apply a monthly application of a water-soluble fertilizer not too high in nitrogen.
Apply a layer of mulch around the base of the plants to help retain soil moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature. Keep the area around the plants free of weeds, which can compete for nutrients and water. Providing support with stakes or cages can help prevent the plants from toppling over. Insert stakes at planting time to avoid damaging the roots later on.
Harvesting Organic Anaheim Chili Peppers
Organic Anaheim Chilies are typically ready to harvest about 70-80 days after transplanting. The peppers can be picked when they are green, which is the most common stage or allowed to ripen to red for a sweeter flavor. Green peppers are usually harvested when they reach 6-10 inches long.
Use a sharp pair of scissors or pruning shears to cut the peppers from the plant, leaving a small stem attached. Try not to pull the peppers off by hand, as this can damage the plant. Regular harvesting encourages the plant to produce more fruit.
About Organic Anaheim Chili Tomato Garden Seeds
These peppers can also be called California chili or Magdalena peppers.
The Anaheim variety was popularized by Emilio Ortega, who brought the seeds to California in the early 1900s. He recognized their potential and started cultivating them extensively, eventually leading to the creation of the famous Ortega brand of canned chilies.
Organic Anaheim Chili peppers are considered a mild variety, typically measuring between 500-2,500 Scoville Heat Units (SHU). This makes them significantly milder than jalapeños, which range from 2,500 to 8,000 SHU.
Tips From Our Gardeners
"Try to promptly transplant the seedlings as soon as the weather permits and they have been hardened off. Delaying can stunt their growth and postpone the harvest."
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- Lara Wadsworth, True Leaf Market Writer
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Other Resources
Organic Anaheim Chili Pepper Seeds Per Package:
- 2500mg - Packet- Approximately 30 Seeds
- 1 oz - Bulk Seeds - Approximately 3,400 Seeds
- 4 oz - Bulk Seeds - Approximately 13,600 Seeds
Non-GMO Organic Anaheim Chili Pepper seeds are available for Fast Free Shipping on qualifying orders.
ATTRIBUTES
Basic Info
Latin Name: |
Capsicum annuum
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Pepper Type: |
Hot - These peppers all have some heat and usually rank at least 100, but usually 500 or more on the Scoville scale and have heat ranging from mild to extremely hot. |
Organic Anaheim Chili Pepper Color: |
Red, Green |
Growing Info
Hardiness Zone: |
4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 Technically a tender perennial, but commonly grown as an annual. Perennial in zones 10 and 11. |
Days to Maturity: |
70-79 Days (from transplant) |
Days to Germination: |
7-10 |
Seeding Depth: |
0.25 inch |
Plant Spacing: |
18 to 24 inches |
Row Spacing: |
24 to 36 inches |
Plant Height: |
18 to 24 inches |
Growth Habit: |
Upright |
Soil Preference: |
Well-draining, loose (sandy loam), slightly acidic (6.5 pH), and moisture retaining. Too much nitrogen in the soil may lead to more foliage production and less fruiting, similar to tomatoes. Peppers also need sufficient amounts of phosphorus and calcium. We recommend using a balanced fertilizer for the best results. |
Temperature Preference: |
Warmer (70-85 F). During high heat, foliar and flower development slow or pause until temperatures return to the preferred range. |
Light Preference: |
Full Sun |
Other
Direct Sow: |
No |
Start Indoors: |
Yes Start Indoors 7-9 weeks before your last spring frost date. Harden off and transplant when seedlings are 6-8 inches tall. Bury the stem slightly deeper than the root ball. Avoid planting hot and sweet peppers right next to each other, as they can cross-pollinate, potentially affecting the flavors of your harvested peppers. |
Pepper Pollination: |
Peppers have perfect flowers (male and female parts) and will self-pollinate. However, wind and pollinator activity may increase success rates of fertilization and fruit production. |
Plant Width: |
18 to 24 inches |
Deer Resistant: |
Yes |
Scoville Heat Units: |
500 to 2500 |
Heat Level: |
Mild - 100 to 2,500 on the Scoville Scale. Example: Poblano Ancho or Pepperoncini |
Growth Speed: |
Mid - Ready for harvest around 76 to 90 days from transplant. |
Germination Temperature: |
80-90 F |
Pests and Diseases: |
Resistant to Tobacco Mosaic Virus. Peppers are commonly susceptible to cutworms, aphids, flea beetles, bacterial spot, Phytophthora, sunscald, and blossom end rot. To avoid or reduce problems with pests and diseases, stick to a regular watering schedule (drip irrigation is preferred), plant into well-draining soils, and utilize practices such as crop rotation. When taking pest control measures, consider utilizing integrated pest management principles by using mechanical removal, biological control, and other cultural practices before turning to chemical agents. |
Garden Size: |
Greenhouse, Garden Plot, Raised Bed, Container |
Climate Tolerance: |
Heat, Drought |