Anaheim peppers are a popular variety of Capsicum annuum, typically registering between 500 and 2,500 Scoville Heat Units. These long, tapered chiles are an excellent choice for a home garden, particularly for roasting, stuffing, and preparing classic New Mexican dishes like Chiles Rellenos. Successfully growing Anaheim peppers requires attention to warmth, moisture, and nutrition throughout their long growing season.
Starting the Seeds and Transplanting
Anaheim pepper seeds should be started indoors approximately six to eight weeks before the last expected spring frost. The most important factor for successful germination is consistent heat, as the seeds require optimum soil temperatures in the high 70s to low 80s Fahrenheit (around 75–85°F). Using a dedicated heat mat beneath the seed trays can help maintain this warmth and improve germination rates.
Once the seedlings have developed their first true leaves, they need strong light from a south-facing window or supplemental grow lights to prevent them from becoming spindly. The final planting location must provide full sun, meaning at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily. Pepper plants are sensitive to cold, so they should not be moved outdoors until all danger of frost has passed and both the air and soil temperatures are reliably warm.
Before permanently moving the young plants to the garden, a process called “hardening off” is necessary to acclimate them to outdoor conditions. This involves gradually exposing them to increasing amounts of direct sunlight and wind over a period of seven to ten days. The outdoor soil should be well-drained, fertile, and slightly acidic to neutral, ideally with a pH range between 5.5 and 7.0. Transplant the seedlings into the garden bed, spacing them about 18 to 24 inches apart.
Providing Water and Nutrients
Anaheim peppers require deep, regular watering, especially once they begin to flower and set fruit. These plants require about one to two inches of water per week, although this amount may increase during hot, dry spells. Water the soil directly at the base of the plant, avoiding wetting the foliage, which can help reduce the risk of fungal diseases.
The fertilization regimen should change as the plant matures to support different growth stages. During the initial growth phase, a balanced fertilizer is appropriate to establish a strong root system and healthy foliage. Once the plants begin to flower, switch to a fertilizer lower in nitrogen but higher in phosphorus and potassium, such as a 5-10-10 formulation. Excess nitrogen at this stage encourages excessive leaf growth at the expense of fruit production.
Peppers are sensitive to temperature extremes, which can impact fruit set. If daytime temperatures consistently exceed 90°F, or nighttime temperatures remain above 75°F, the plant may drop its blossoms (blossom drop). As the plants mature and become heavy with developing fruit, providing support with stakes or tomato cages can prevent the branches from breaking.
Managing Pests and Common Diseases
Anaheim peppers are susceptible to several common garden pests. Aphids and spider mites feed by sucking sap from the plant’s leaves, leading to yellowing or distorted growth. A targeted spray of neem oil or insecticidal soap can control these pests, or a strong jet of water can physically dislodge them from the plant.
Flea beetles are another pest that chews small “shot holes” in the leaves. Maintaining a clean garden free of debris and weeds helps to eliminate habitats for these and other pests. Common disorders like Blossom End Rot, which appears as a dark, sunken spot on the bottom of the pepper, are usually a result of inconsistent watering rather than a disease.
This disorder often indicates that the plant is unable to transport calcium effectively, which is a problem exacerbated by moisture fluctuation. Ensuring proper plant spacing is also a preventative measure, as it promotes good air circulation, which is necessary to minimize the risk of fungal diseases.
Knowing When to Harvest
Anaheim peppers typically reach a harvestable size 60 to 80 days after the seedlings are transplanted into the garden. The traditional harvest stage is when the peppers are still a glossy green color and have reached their mature length of six to eight inches. Picking them at this stage will result in a milder flavor profile and encourages the plant to produce more fruit throughout the season.
If left on the plant, the peppers will eventually ripen to a red color, which indicates they have reached full maturity. Red Anaheim peppers have a sweeter flavor and a slightly higher level of heat compared to their green counterparts. To harvest, use a sharp knife or a pair of pruning shears to cut the pepper from the plant, leaving a small stub of the stem attached.
Avoid pulling the fruit off, as this can damage the branches of the plant. Freshly harvested peppers can be stored unwashed in a loosely closed plastic bag in the refrigerator for up to a week.