Poblano 'Ancho Poblano'
Capsicum annuum 'Ancho Poblano'
The backbone of Mexican cuisine, this mild to medium-heat pepper is perfect for stuffing, roasting, and making authentic chiles rellenos. When fresh, they're called poblanos; when dried, they become the coveted ancho chile that adds deep, smoky flavor to sauces and moles. Their large size and thick walls make them incredibly versatile for both fresh cooking and preservation.
Harvest
65-75d
Days to harvest
Sun
Blossom-End Rot of Tomato
Zones
4–11
USDA hardiness
Height
1-3 feet
Planting Timeline
Showing dates for Poblano 'Ancho Poblano' in USDA Zone 7
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Poblano 'Ancho Poblano' · Zones 4–11
Growing Details
Zone-by-Zone Planting Calendar
| Zone | Indoor Start | Transplant | Direct Sow | Harvest |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zone 3 | April – April | June – July | — | August – October |
| Zone 4 | March – April | June – June | — | August – October |
| Zone 5 | March – March | May – June | — | August – October |
| Zone 6 | March – March | May – June | — | July – September |
| Zone 7 | February – March | April – May | — | July – September |
| Zone 8 | February – February | April – May | — | June – August |
| Zone 9 | January – January | March – April | — | May – July |
| 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 poblanos keep best when stored unwashed in the refrigerator crisper drawer for 1-2 weeks. For longer storage, roast and peel the peppers, then freeze in portions — the thick flesh holds up exceptionally well to freezing and actually becomes easier to peel after roasting.
To create traditional ancho chiles, string whole peppers and hang in a warm, dry, well-ventilated area until completely desiccated. Properly dried anchos will keep for years and develop complex, smoky flavors that deepen over time. You can also smoke-dry them for authentic flavor.
Poblanos can or ferment beautifully due to their thick flesh and mild heat level. Pickled poblano rings make excellent condiments, while fermented poblano paste adds depth to sauces and marinades.
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
Marigold
Deters nematodes, aphids, and whiteflies with natural compounds
Carrot
Loosens soil for pepper roots and doesn't compete for nutrients
Nasturtium
Acts as trap crop for aphids and cucumber beetles
Parsley
Attracts beneficial insects like hoverflies and parasitic wasps
Tomato
Similar growing requirements and can share space efficiently
Oregano
Repels cucumber beetles and provides ground cover to retain moisture
Onion
Repels aphids, thrips, and other pests while improving soil health
Keep Apart
Fennel
Produces allelopathic compounds that inhibit pepper growth and development
Walnut
Releases juglone toxin that stunts pepper growth and causes wilting
Brassicas
Compete heavily for nutrients and may stunt pepper growth through root competition
Nutrition Facts
Per 100g serving. % Daily Value based on 2,000 calorie diet. Source: USDA FoodData Central (FDC #2747662)
Pests & Disease Resistance
Resistance
Good resistance to tobacco mosaic virus, moderate bacterial spot resistance
Common Pests
Aphids, pepper weevil, cutworms, spider mites
Diseases
Bacterial spot, phytophthora blight, pepper mottle virus