Poblano 'Mulato Isleno'
Capsicum annuum 'Mulato Isleno'
An exceptional heirloom poblano variety prized for its large size, thick walls, and rich flavor perfect for chiles rellenos. When dried, these peppers become mulato chiles, adding deep chocolate and fruit notes to moles and sauces. This authentic Mexican variety produces consistently large, heart-shaped peppers with mild heat that won't overpower delicate dishes.
Harvest
75-85d
Days to harvest
Sun
Blossom-End Rot of Tomato
Zones
4–11
USDA hardiness
Height
1-3 feet
Planting Timeline
Showing dates for Poblano 'Mulato Isleno' in USDA Zone 7
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Poblano 'Mulato Isleno' · Zones 4–11
Growing Details
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 poblanos store best in the refrigerator's crisper drawer, wrapped in paper towels inside perforated plastic bags to maintain humidity while preventing moisture buildup. Properly stored peppers remain fresh for 1-2 weeks, though thick-walled Mulato Isleno varieties often last longer than thin-skinned poblanos.
For longer preservation, roast peppers over open flame or under the broiler until skins blister and char, then steam in a paper bag for 10 minutes before peeling. Roasted peppers freeze excellently for up to 8 months and are perfect for later use in chiles rellenos. Alternatively, slice fresh peppers and freeze on trays before transferring to freezer bags.
To create authentic mulato chiles, thread whole peppers on string and hang in a warm, dry, well-ventilated area until completely dehydrated and dark brown-black in color. This process takes 2-4 weeks depending on humidity levels. Properly dried mulatos store in airtight containers for over a year, providing the essential chocolate-fruit notes that make authentic mole sauces.
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 improving pepper flavor
Marigold
Deters nematodes, aphids, and whiteflies with natural compounds
Oregano
Repels cucumber beetles and provides ground cover to retain soil moisture
Parsley
Attracts beneficial insects like hoverflies and parasitic wasps
Tomato
Similar growing requirements and both benefit from same companion plants
Onion
Deters aphids, thrips, and other soft-bodied insects with sulfur compounds
Carrots
Loosens soil for pepper roots and doesn't compete for nutrients
Nasturtium
Acts as trap crop for aphids and cucumber beetles
Keep Apart
Black Walnut
Produces juglone toxin that stunts pepper growth and causes wilting
Fennel
Inhibits growth through allelopathic chemicals and attracts harmful insects
Brassicas
Heavy feeders that compete for nutrients and may stunt pepper development
Nutrition Facts
Per 100g serving. % Daily Value based on 2,000 calorie diet. Source: USDA FoodData Central (FDC #2747662)
Pests & Disease Resistance
Resistance
Moderate resistance to common pepper diseases
Common Pests
Aphids, spider mites, pepper weevil, thrips
Diseases
Bacterial spot, phytophthora blight, verticillium wilt