Guajillo (Capsicum annuum) 2L Pot
Guajillo is a Mexican chilli variety grown for its long, smooth fruit and mild to medium heat.
The fresh pepper is often known as Mirasol, while the name Guajillo is commonly used after the mature fruit has been dried. The peppers begin green before ripening to a deep red colour.
Guajillo peppers have a fruity, earthy and lightly sweet flavour. They are commonly dried and used in Mexican sauces, marinades, stews, moles and seasoning blends.
In the UK, Guajillo grows best in a greenhouse or polytunnel, where the fruit has a better chance of reaching its mature red colour.
Plant Details
Botanical name: Capsicum annuum
Common names: Guajillo, Mirasol Chilli
Plant family: Solanaceae
Habit: Upright, branching annual or short-lived tender perennial
Potential height: Approximately 60–100 cm under suitable conditions
Foliage: Green, pointed leaves
Flowers: Small white flowers
Fruit: Long, smooth peppers ripening from green to deep red
Typical fruit length: Approximately 10–15 cm
Heat level: Mild to medium
Position: Full sun
Suitable for: Greenhouses, polytunnels, patios and large containers
Hardiness: Tender and not frost hardy
Growing Advice
Grow your Guajillo in fertile, well-draining compost in a warm and sunny position. Transfer the plant into a larger container as it develops to provide sufficient root space.
Keep the compost evenly moist during active growth. Avoid allowing the plant to repeatedly wilt while it is flowering or carrying fruit.
Feed with a balanced liquid fertiliser during early growth. Change to a high-potassium tomato feed once flowers or young peppers appear.
The stems may require support as the fruit develops.
Plants may be moved outside after the risk of frost has passed, but a greenhouse or polytunnel will provide more reliable warmth.
Guajillo is normally grown as an annual in the UK but may sometimes be overwintered in a bright, frost-free position.
Fruiting in the UK
Guajillo can produce fruit in the UK, although a long and warm growing season is required for the peppers to ripen fully.
Fruit may be used fresh while green or red. Peppers intended for traditional drying should be allowed to reach a mature deep-red colour before harvesting.
What You Will Receive
You will receive one Guajillo 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. Final fruit size and colour will depend on plant maturity and growing conditions.
Important Information
The heat of Guajillo peppers can vary between individual fruit.
Wear gloves when cutting or preparing the peppers. Avoid touching your eyes or face and wash your hands after handling.