Ancho Poblano Chili Plant (Capsicum annuum) 2L Pot

Ancho Poblano is a Mexican pepper variety grown for its broad, dark green fruit and mild heat.

The fresh green fruit is known as a Poblano pepper. When allowed to ripen to a deep red-brown colour and then dried, it is known as an Ancho chilli.

The fruit has thick walls and a mild, earthy flavour, making it suitable for roasting, stuffing, grilling and using in sauces. Fully ripe fruit can also be dried and ground into chilli powder.

In the UK, Ancho Poblano grows best in a greenhouse, polytunnel or sheltered sunny patio position.

Plant Details

Botanical name: Capsicum annuum
Common names: Poblano Pepper, Ancho Chilli
Plant family: Solanaceae
Habit: Bushy annual or short-lived tender perennial
Potential height: Approximately 60–90 cm under suitable conditions
Foliage: Green, pointed leaves
Flowers: Small white flowers
Fruit: Broad, tapered fruit ripening from dark green to red-brown
Heat level: Generally mild, although heat can vary
Position: Full sun
Suitable for: Greenhouses, polytunnels, patios and containers
Hardiness: Tender and not frost hardy

Growing Advice

Grow your Ancho Poblano in fertile, well-draining compost in a warm and sunny position. The plant may remain in its 2-litre pot temporarily but should be moved into a larger container to support continued growth and fruit production.

Keep the compost evenly moist, particularly while the plant is flowering and developing fruit. Avoid allowing the compost to alternate repeatedly between very dry and saturated conditions.

Feed regularly with a balanced liquid fertiliser during early growth. Change to a high-potassium tomato feed once the first flowers or fruit appear.

Plants grown outside should only be placed outdoors after the risk of frost has passed. Choose a sunny, sheltered position and bring the plant under cover if temperatures become cool.

Ancho Poblano is usually grown as an annual in the UK. Plants may sometimes be overwintered in a bright, frost-free position, although continued survival cannot be guaranteed.

Fruiting in the UK

Ancho Poblano can fruit successfully in the UK when provided with sufficient warmth and light. Green fruit can be harvested once it reaches a useful size or left on the plant to ripen to red-brown.

Greenhouse or polytunnel cultivation provides the most reliable conditions for ripening fruit fully.

What You Will Receive

You will receive one healthy Ancho Poblano plant growing in a 2-litre pot. Plants are typically dispatched at approximately 20–30 cm tall.

Plants may be supplied before flowering or fruiting. Size and development will vary depending on the time of year.

Important Information

Chilli heat can vary between individual fruits and according to growing conditions.

Wear gloves when cutting or preparing ripe chillies. Avoid touching your eyes or face and wash your hands thoroughly after handling.