Planting

Anaheim Pepper

Planting Time Plant Anaheim peppers once the soil is warm and all threat of frost is gone. These mild mannered peppers love heat but are not nearly as dramatic as their spicy cousins. Start seeds indoors eight to ten weeks early and transplant outside once nighttime temperatures stay above fifty-five degrees. Warm days and steady sunshine makes Anaheim grow like a rodeo crowd at free taco night.

Depth & Spacing Transplant seedlings at the same depth they grew indoors and give each plant eighteen to twenty-four inches of space. Anaheims grow tall and lanky, like a cowboy who never quite grew into his boots. Proper spacing helps airflow and keeps plants strong during windy spells.

Soil & Fertilization Anaheim peppers thrive in rich, well drained soil enhanced with compost. Avoid heavy nitrogen fertilizer, or you will grow a jungle of leaves and hardly any peppers. A balanced fertilizer keeps plants productive and encourages long, smooth peppers perfect for roasting.

Watering Needs Keep the soil evenly moist but never soggy. Anaheims appreciate steady watering like a horse appreciates a clean trough. Letting the soil dry slightly between waterings helps deepen flavor without stressing the plant. Mulch helps keep moisture consistent and weeds pressure low.

Sunlight Requirements Give Anaheim peppers full sun for at least six to eight hours daily. These peppers love to work in the sunshine and reward you with sweet, better fruit the more light they receive. Shade will slow growth and rob flavor faster than watering down chili.

Harvesting Harvest Anaheim peppers when they reach six to ten inches long and are firm and glossy. Green peppers are mild and perfect for roasting. Letting them ripen to red increases sweetness and adds depth. Use snips to harvest to avoid breaking branches. Anaheim plants can be a little touchy when manhandled.

Captain Greenhouse Tip If you want Anaheims that will roast up like a dream, give the plants a little extra compost mid season, and keep them evenly watered. Stressed plants produce smaller fruit, but well fed and evenly watered plants reward you with long, smooth peppers perfect for stuffing, grilling, or turning into whatever cowboy concoction you are cooking. Plant a few extras because once folks taste them, they will be asking for more.