Single Anaheim Hot Pepper cut into slices on a white background.
Anaheim Peppers, julienned and diced on blue background.
Anaheim Peppers, whole and sliced.
Anaheim Peppers in multiple colors on blue background.
Anaheim Peppers at varying maturity states.
Anaheim Peppers in sun shape on marbled background.
Single Anaheim Hot Pepper cut into slices on a white background.
Anaheim Peppers, julienned and diced on blue background.
Anaheim Peppers, whole and sliced.
Anaheim Peppers in multiple colors on blue background.
Anaheim Peppers at varying maturity states.
Anaheim Peppers in sun shape on marbled background.

Hot Pepper Seeds,
Anaheim

4.317 ReviewsSKU: #HPP103Min. seed count: 25
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Description

(Capsicum annuum) This legendary extra large and mild chili pepper of Anaheim, California, is a staple of Southwestern cuisine. It is a perfect roasting or frying pepper, but it also great stuffed, added to tamales, or chopped into salsa. A mild- to medium-heat chili, it ranks about 500-2,500 SHU on the Scoville scale. The Anaheim pepper is a descendant of a landrace of New Mexican chilies originally grown by Pueblo and Hispanic communities. In the late 1800s, a California rancher named Emilio Ortega encountered the New Mexico chili and fell in love with it. He returned home with seeds and selected and adapted for a more mild pepper, thus creating the Anaheim. Ortega found this pepper so beloved by friends and neighbors that he began canning it at his mother's adobe home to sell. This became the first commercial food operation in California's history. The Ortega family developed a range of Southwestern food products, and the brand became a major household name.

Growing Tips: Anaheim peppers are hardy, heirloom chili peppers known for their mild heat. They thrive in warm conditions and need full sun exposure, making them ideal for many gardens. To speed up the germination process and warm up the soil, consider using a heat mat.

Plant Details

Botanical Name
Capsicum annuum
Life Cycle
Annual
Sun Requirement
8–12 hr.
Days to Germinate
7–10
Days to Maturity
80
Planting Depth
¼ in.
Plant Spacing
14–18 in.
Ideal Temperature
70–95°F
Frost Hardy
No

When to Grow

Anaheim peppers need quite a long growing season of about 80 days and should be planted after the final frost when temperatures consistently remain above 65 F. Start seeds indoors 8–12 weeks before the last frost to give them an early boost before transplanting outside​. If you’re not sure how to find your first and last frost dates, consult our blog post 'Our Experts Answer Questions, Share Resources.'

How to Sow and Plant

Sow the seeds 1/4 inch deep in seed-starting soil at temperatures around 80 F. Once seedlings are 4–6 inches tall, harden them off by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions, then transplant them into garden beds or large containers. Space plants 14-18 inches apart in nutrient-rich, well-draining soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5​.

How to Grow

Anaheim peppers thrive in full sunlight, 8-12 hours daily, and need consistent watering, especially during fruiting. Water deeply, keeping the soil evenly moist but avoiding sogginess to prevent root rot. Apply a balanced fertilizer (10-10-10) when transplanting, followed by additional feedings as plants start flowering. Prune lower leaves or excess foliage to encourage airflow and support tall plants with stakes or cages​.

How to Save Seeds

  • Peppers are mainly self-pollinating, but bees occasionally work pepper flowers as well.
  • To be absolutely sure that you will not have any crossing, different varieties should be isolated by at least 500 feet.
  • To save seed, allow the fruit to mature fully; then simply remove seeds.
  • It is a good idea to wear gloves when working with very hot peppers, and to consider wearing a mask when working with a large quantity of dried seeds.
  • Let seeds dry for a week before storing them in a jar.
  • Pepper seeds will remain viable for up to 5 years.

FAQ

Why do my Anaheim peppers turn red?

Anaheim peppers ripen from green to red, becoming sweeter as they mature.

Can Anaheim peppers be grown in containers?

Yes, use at least a 5-gallon container with good drainage, and place it in full sun, and water regularly.

How do I prevent sunscald on my Anaheim peppers?

Provide a bit of shade during peak sunlight hours to protect the fruits from intense sun exposure.

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