Growing Ancho Ranchero Hybrid Peppers in the Vegetable Garden
Begin by sowing the seeds indoors about 6-8 weeks before the last expected frost date. Use seed trays or small pots filled with a high-quality seed-starting mix to ensure good drainage and nutrient availability. Plant the seeds approximately a quarter inch deep, covering them lightly with soil. Ensure the soil is consistently damp but not soggy. Keep the temperature around 70-85 F for optimal germination.
Once the seedlings emerge, they require ample light to prevent leggy growth. Provide at least 14-16 hours of light daily, ideally using full-spectrum grow lights to mimic natural sunlight. As the seedlings develop several sets of true leaves, start the hardening-off process about 7-10 days before transplanting them outdoors. This process involves gradually acclimating the seedlings to outdoor conditions by placing them outside for a few hours each day, slowly increasing their exposure to direct sunlight and fluctuating temperatures. This gradual exposure helps the plants adapt to the outdoor environment, reducing transplant shock.
Transplant your hardened-off Ancho Ranchero Hybrid seedlings into the garden once the danger of frost has passed and nighttime temperatures are consistently above 50 F. Select a location that receives full sun and has well-drained, fertile soil. Enhance the planting site by incorporating compost or well-rotted manure to improve soil structure and fertility. Space the plants about 18-24 inches apart to provide ample room for growth. Dig a hole slightly larger than the root ball of each seedling, carefully remove the plants from their pots, and place them in the holes, ensuring the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil. Water thoroughly after planting to help the plants establish.
Water the plants deeply and regularly, aiming for about 1-2 inches of water per week. Mulching with organic materials such as straw or shredded leaves helps retain soil moisture, suppress weeds, and gradually add nutrients to the soil as it decomposes. As the plants grow, they benefit from staking or caging to support the weight of the large fruit and to prevent branches from breaking.
Start with a balanced fertilizer at planting time to give the young plants a good start. As the plants begin to flower, switch to a low-nitrogen fertilizer to promote fruiting rather than excessive foliage growth. A fertilizer with a higher phosphorus and potassium ratio, such as 5-10-10, is ideal. Apply the fertilizer according to the package instructions, typically every 4-6 weeks during the growing season.
Harvesting Ancho Ranchero Hybrid Peppers
These peppers can be picked when green and firm or ripen fully to a deep red color. For fresh use, harvest when they are green and have reached their full size, typically about 4-6 inches long. If you plan to dry them, wait until they turn red on the plant. To harvest, use a sharp knife or pruning shears to cut the peppers from the plant, leaving a short stem attached to avoid damaging the plant.
About Ancho Ranchero Hybrid Pepper Garden Seeds
Ancho Ranchero Hybrid Peppers are a popular variety among gardeners and chefs alike, known for their mild heat and rich, earthy flavor. This hybrid variety offers improved disease resistance, greater yield, and uniform fruit size, making it a reliable choice for home gardens and small farms.
Originating from traditional Mexican Ancho peppers, the Ranchero Hybrid has been bred for its robustness and versatility, perfect for various culinary uses.
The word “Ancho” means wide in Spanish. Ancho peppers are the dried, red version, and the fresh, green peppers are Poblanos. They are all the same plant!
Ancho Ranchero Hybrid Peppers can be successfully grown in containers, making them a versatile choice for gardeners with limited space. Choose a large pot with good drainage, at least 12-18 inches in diameter.
Tips From Our Gardeners
“Interplant nasturtiums, marigolds, and other herbs with your pepper plants to increase pest resistance!”
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- Lara Wadsworth, True Leaf Market Writer
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Other Resources
Ancho Ranchero Hybrid Pepper Seeds Per Package:
- 300 mg packet - Approximately 40 Seeds
- .25 oz - Approximately 1,000 Seeds
- 1 oz - Approximately 4,000 Seeds
- 4 oz - Approximately 16,000 Seeds
- 1 lb - Approximately 64,000 Seeds
Non-GMO Ancho Ranchero Hybrid 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. |
Ancho Ranchero Hybrid Pepper Color: |
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 (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: |
24 to 36 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: |
No |
Scoville Heat Units: |
1,000 to 2,000 |
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 |