Get Started
Poblano Peppers
Photo: "Poblanos" by Mike Licht · CC BY 2.0
Pepper · Mild-large

Poblano Peppers

Open-pollinated · Solanaceae

Technically 'hot' but delivers mild heat that even spice-averse diners enjoy. Named for Puebla, Mexico. Thick-walled, heart-shaped, 4-6 inch fruit — THE premier stuffing pepper (chiles rellenos). Plant reaches 2-4 feet, may need staking. Green = poblano; dried red = ancho (mole essential); dried dark brown = mulato. Open-pollinated.

At a Glance

Days to Maturity
65–75 days
Sun
6+ hours
8+ hours
Spacing
18–24 "
Seed Start
8–10 weeks
before transplant
Container
Yes
5+ gallon pot
Height
2–4 ft

Zone Planting Guide

Growing Guide

Germination

Germination Time 7–21 days
Optimal Temp 85°F
Seed Depth 0.25"

Transplanting

Min Soil Temp 65°F
Harden Off 10 days

Watering

Weekly Water 1–2 "
Needs Consistent
Method Drip or base watering

Soil

pH Range 6–6.8
Soil Type Well-draining, fertile

Resilience

Heat: Moderate Cold: Very-low Drought: Low

Common Problems

blossom-drop
Cause: Standard pepper thresholds.
Prevention: Standard management.
blossom-end-rot
Cause: Thick-walled, large fruit = more susceptible than thin-walled types.
Prevention: Consistent watering, Cal-Mag.
sunscald
Cause: Large upward-facing fruit. Same susceptibility as bell peppers.
Prevention: Maintain leaf canopy. Do not prune.

Nutrition

Feeding Intensity Moderate feeder
Calcium Critical — supplement recommended
Recommended Recipes Root drench, Worm castings topdress

Harvest

Green: 4-6 inches, heart-shaped, dark green, glossy, firm. Red: deep red, slightly softer.

Expected Yield 2–4 lbs/plant
Storage 10 days — Crisper drawer.

Companion Planting

Good Companions

Genovese basil Repels aphids
French marigold Repels nematodes

Avoid Planting Near

Herb fennel Inhibits most plants

Sources

seed_catalog Burpee reference Pepper Joe's reference NMSU Chile Pepper Institute reference Gardener's Path

More Peppers

Jalapeño Peppers
Hot-medium
Serrano Peppers
Hot-medium
Anaheim Peppers
Mild-large
Cayenne Peppers
Hot-drying
Fresno Peppers
Hot-medium
Thai Hot Peppers
Hot-compact

Poblano Peppers Planting Dates by Zone

Planting dates for Poblano Peppers vary by USDA hardiness zone. Select your zone below for frost dates, start-indoors timing, and a full monthly planting calendar.

Zone 5A Zone 5B Zone 6A Zone 6B Zone 7A Zone 7B Zone 8A Zone 8B Zone 9A Zone 9B

Ready to grow Poblano?

Get a personalized planting schedule based on your exact zone with frost dates, task reminders, and feeding plans.

Start Your Garden Plan