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Chipotle 'Morita'

Capsicum annuum 'Morita'

The authentic jalapeño variety traditionally used to make premium chipotle peppers in Mexico, prized for its perfect balance of heat and smokiness when dried. These deep red jalapeños have thicker walls than typical varieties, making them ideal for smoking, while fresh peppers offer a more complex flavor than standard jalapeños. 'Morita' brings genuine Mexican cuisine authenticity to the home garden.

Harvest

75-85d

Days to harvest

📅

Sun

Blossom-End Rot of Tomato

☀️

Zones

4–11

USDA hardiness

🗺️

Height

1-3 feet

📏

Planting Timeline

Zone:

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Start Indoors

Transplant

Harvest

Start Indoors

Transplant

Harvest

Showing dates for Chipotle 'Morita' in USDA Zone 7

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Zone Map

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Chipotle 'Morita' · Zones 4–11

What grows well in Zone 7? →

Growing Details

Difficulty

Easy to moderate

Spacing18-24 inches

SoilWell-drained soil with good organic content

pH6.0-7.0

Water1-1.5 inches per week, allow slight drying between waterings

SeasonWarm season

FlavorMedium heat (2,500-8,000 SHU) with rich, complex flavor ideal for smoking

ColorDeep red when mature for smoking, can be harvested green

Size2.5-3 inches long, 1 inch wide

Zone-by-Zone Planting Calendar

Zone	Indoor Start	Transplant	Direct Sow	Harvest
Zone 3	April – April	June – July	—	September – October
Zone 4	March – April	June – June	—	August – October
Zone 5	March – March	May – June	—	August – October
Zone 6	March – March	May – June	—	August – October
Zone 7	February – March	April – May	—	July – September
Zone 8	February – February	April – May	—	July – September
Zone 9	January – January	March – April	—	June – August
Zone 10	January – January	February – March	—	May – July

Complete Growing Guide

Light: Blossom-End Rot of Tomato, Pepper, and Watermelon. Soil: Clay, High Organic Matter, Loam (Silt), Sand. Soil pH: Acid (<6.0), Alkaline (>8.0), Neutral (6.0-8.0). Drainage: Good Drainage. Water: KAP-sih-kum AN-yoo-um. Height: 1 ft. 0 in. - 3 ft. 8 in.. Spread: 0 ft. 6 in. - 1 ft. 0 in.. Spacing: 12 inches-3 feet. Growth rate: Medium. Maintenance: 'Aurora', 'Basket of Fire', 'Black Pearl', 'Buena Mulata', 'Calico', 'California Wonder', 'Candelabra', Cerasiforme Group, 'Chilly Chili', Conioides Group, 'Early Jalapeno', Fasciculatum Group, Grossum Group, 'Hot Returns', Longum Group, 'Mad Hatter', 'Purple Flash', 'Sweet orange', 'Sweet Sunset'. Propagation: Seed. Regions: Coastal, Mountains, Piedmont.

Harvesting

Fruits are a non-pulpy berry and vary considerably across cultivars. Some are long, thin, bright red, and spicy; others are thick, large, and sweet-tasting; others still are small and in ornamental shapes and colors, grown as decoration.

Color: 'Aurora', 'Basket of Fire', 'Black Pearl', 'Buena Mulata', 'Calico', 'California Wonder', 'Candelabra', Cerasiforme Group, 'Chilly Chili', Conioides Group, 'Early Jalapeno', Fasciculatum Group, Grossum Group, 'Hot Returns', Longum Group, 'Mad Hatter', 'Purple Flash', 'Sweet orange', 'Sweet Sunset'. Type: Berry. Length: 1-3 inches. Width: < 1 inch.

Garden value: Edible, Good Dried, Showy

Harvest time: Summer

Bloom time: Summer

Edibility: Fruits edible, but spiciness is unpredictable in intensity.

Storage & Preservation

Fresh 'Morita' peppers store best at room temperature for 3-5 days, then refrigerate in a paper bag for up to 2 weeks. Avoid plastic bags which trap moisture and promote rot.

For authentic chipotle production, smoke whole red peppers over low heat (90-100°F) using fruit woods like apple or cherry for 24-48 hours until they become dark brown and leathery. Properly smoked chipotles store in airtight containers for 6-12 months.

Freeze whole peppers on baking sheets, then transfer to freezer bags for 6-month storage - frozen 'Morita' peppers work excellently for salsas and sauces. For long-term storage, dehydrate sliced peppers at 135°F until brittle, then grind into powder. Ferment chopped peppers in 3% salt brine for 2-4 weeks to create complex hot sauce bases that highlight the variety's nuanced flavor profile.

History & Origin

Origin: Tropical North and South America

Advantages

+Disease resistance: Deer, Drought, Heat
+Attracts: Songbirds
+Wildlife value: Birds are immune to the capsaicin in peppers and can safely eat the fruits with no ill effects. Therefore, these plants may attract birds. Host plant for Potato Tuber Moth.
+Edible: Fruits edible, but spiciness is unpredictable in intensity.

Companion Plants

Plant Together

Basil

Repels aphids, spider mites, and thrips while potentially enhancing pepper flavor

Marigolds

Deters nematodes, aphids, and whiteflies with natural compounds

Tomatoes

Share similar growing requirements and can help confuse pests through companion diversity

Oregano

Repels aphids and provides ground cover to retain soil moisture

Carrots

Loose soil from carrot growth improves drainage around pepper roots

Parsley

Attracts beneficial insects like hoverflies that prey on pepper pests

Chives

Repels aphids and thrips while improving soil with sulfur compounds

Nasturtiums

Acts as trap crop for aphids and cucumber beetles, drawing them away from peppers

Keep Apart

Fennel

Releases allelopathic compounds that inhibit pepper growth and development

Black Walnut

Produces juglone toxin that causes wilting and stunted growth in peppers

Brassicas

Compete for similar nutrients and may stunt pepper growth through root competition

Nutrition Facts

Calories

27kcal(1%)

Protein

1.66g(3%)

Fiber

3.4g(12%)

Carbs

5.35g(2%)

Fat

0.45g(1%)

Vitamin C

82.7mg(92%)

Vitamin A

17mcg(2%)

Vitamin K

9.5mcg(8%)

Iron

0.46mg(3%)

Calcium

14mg(1%)

Potassium

256mg(5%)

Per 100g serving. % Daily Value based on 2,000 calorie diet. Source: USDA FoodData Central (FDC #169394)

Pests & Disease Resistance

Resistance

Good general disease tolerance

Common Pests

Aphids, pepper maggots, flea beetles, spider mites

Diseases

Bacterial spot, phytophthora blight, virus diseases

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does Chipotle 'Morita' take to grow from seed to harvest?▼

Chipotle 'Morita' requires 75-85 days from transplanting to produce fully red, mature peppers suitable for smoking. Starting from seed indoors, expect 4-5 months total from sowing to first chipotle-ready harvest, as peppers must be started indoors 8-10 weeks before transplanting for sufficient growing season length.

Can you grow Chipotle 'Morita' peppers in containers?▼

Yes, 'Morita' grows well in containers at least 5 gallons in size. Use high-quality potting mix amended with compost, ensure excellent drainage, and provide sturdy support as the heavy peppers can tip containers. Container growing allows better control of soil temperature and moisture, which benefits this variety's development.

What's the difference between Chipotle 'Morita' and regular jalapeños?▼

'Morita' has significantly thicker walls, denser flesh, and more complex flavor than commercial jalapeños. It's specifically bred for smoking into chipotle peppers, while regular jalapeños are bred for fresh eating. 'Morita' must reach full red maturity for authentic chipotle production, while standard jalapeños are typically harvested green.

Is Chipotle 'Morita' good for beginning gardeners?▼

Moderate difficulty for beginners. While 'Morita' has good disease tolerance, it requires consistent watering, proper staking, and a long warm season to reach maturity. Beginners in zones 8-10 will find it easier than those in cooler climates where season extension techniques may be needed.

When should I plant Chipotle 'Morita' peppers?▼

Start seeds indoors 8-10 weeks before your last frost date, maintaining 80-85°F soil temperature for germination. Transplant outdoors only after soil consistently reaches 65°F, typically 2-3 weeks after last frost. In cooler zones, use season extension techniques like black plastic mulch to ensure adequate growing time.

Do you have to smoke Chipotle 'Morita' or can you eat them fresh?▼

Fresh red 'Morita' peppers are excellent eaten fresh with more complex, nuanced flavor than standard jalapeños. However, the variety was specifically developed for smoking, and its thick walls and dense flesh truly shine when transformed into authentic chipotle peppers through traditional smoking methods.