Anaheim Hot Chili Peppers

Grow the versatile mild chili pepper with Anaheim – a classic Southwestern variety that produces long, 6-8 inch tapered peppers with mild heat (500-2,500 Scoville units) and rich flavor. These productive plants are perfect for roasting, stuffing for chili rellenos, drying into ristras, or adding authentic Southwestern flavor to salsas and sauces.

Growing Information

• Days to maturity: 70-80 days from transplant (green), 90-100 days (red ripe)
• Planting: Start seeds indoors 8-10 weeks before last frost; transplant when soil temperature reaches 65°F and nights stay above 55°F
• Spacing: 18-24 inches apart in rows 24-30 inches apart
• Sun: Full sun (6-8 hours daily)
• Zones: 3-11 (warm-season annual)

Harvest & Use

Harvest when peppers reach 6-8 inches long and turn dark green for mild flavor, or wait for red ripening for sweeter, slightly hotter taste. Perfect for roasting and peeling (classic for chili rellenos), drying into ristras, making green chili sauce, stuffing, or adding to salsas and Southwestern dishes. The mild heat makes these family-friendly and versatile. Each plant produces 20-30 peppers throughout the season.

Care Tips

Anaheim peppers thrive in warm, well-drained soil with consistent moisture. Water regularly, especially during flowering and fruiting. Mulch to conserve moisture and regulate soil temperature. Support plants with stakes or cages as they grow 24-30 inches tall and become heavy with fruit. Companion plant with basil, oregano, or marigolds for natural pest management and enhanced flavor.

Why Choose Anaheim

This reliable variety offers exceptional productivity, mild heat perfect for all palates, and authentic Southwestern flavor essential for traditional New Mexican and Tex-Mex cooking. Whether you're roasting for chili rellenos, making green chili sauce, or creating decorative ristras, Anaheim delivers consistent performance and superior quality.