Chilhuacle Negro (Capsicum annuum) 2L Pot
Chilhuacle Negro is a traditional Oaxacan chilli variety grown for its dark fruit and use in Mexican cooking.
The plant produces green foliage and small white flowers followed by broad, tapering or lantern-shaped peppers. The fruit begins green before developing reddish-brown and dark brown colouring as it ripens and dries.
Chilhuacle Negro has relatively mild heat accompanied by a rich, earthy flavour. Dried fruit is traditionally used in Oaxacan mole negro and other sauces, where it contributes notes commonly compared with dried fruit, cocoa and tobacco.
The peppers can also be used fresh in sauces and cooked dishes.
In the UK, Chilhuacle Negro grows most reliably in a greenhouse or polytunnel due to its relatively long growing and ripening period.
Plant Details
Botanical name: Capsicum annuum
Common names: Chilhuacle Negro, Chile Huacle Negro
Plant family: Solanaceae
Habit: Bushy annual or short-lived tender perennial
Potential height: Approximately 60–100 cm under suitable conditions
Foliage: Green, pointed leaves
Flowers: Small white flowers
Fruit: Broad, tapering fruit developing dark brown colouring when mature
Heat level: Mild to moderately hot
Position: Full sun
Suitable for: Greenhouses, polytunnels and large containers
Hardiness: Tender and not frost hardy
Growing Advice
Grow your Chilhuacle Negro in fertile, well-draining compost in a warm and sunny position. Move the plant into a larger container to provide sufficient root space for continued growth and fruiting.
Keep the compost evenly moist during active growth, flowering and fruit development. Avoid prolonged waterlogging and repeated wilting.
Feed with a balanced liquid fertiliser during early growth. Change to a high-potassium tomato feed once flowers or young peppers appear.
The branches may require support once carrying mature fruit.
Plants grown outside should only be placed outdoors after the risk of frost has passed, although greenhouse cultivation is recommended for the most reliable crop.
Chilhuacle Negro is normally grown as an annual in the UK but may sometimes be overwintered in a bright, frost-free position.
Fruiting in the UK
Chilhuacle Negro can produce fruit in the UK, although the peppers require a long, warm season to develop their mature dark colouring.
Fruit intended for drying should be allowed to ripen fully before harvesting. Greenhouse or polytunnel cultivation provides the best chance of reaching full maturity.
What You Will Receive
You will receive one healthy Chilhuacle Negro Chilli 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. Fruit colour, shape and heat can vary according to ripeness and growing conditions.
Important Information
Although Chilhuacle Negro is generally milder than many chilli varieties, individual fruit can still contain noticeable heat.
Wear gloves when cutting or preparing the peppers. Avoid touching your eyes or face and wash your hands thoroughly after handling.