CHILI DE ARBOL PEPPERS: A PRIMER
Chili De Arbol Peppers: A Primer is a guide to growing these wonderful peppers. Here’s a practical primer for successfully growing chili de árbol peppers, a fiery and flavorful chili variety prized in Mexican cooking.
About the Plant
Species: Capsicum annuum
Heat: 15,000–30,000 Scoville Heat Units (comparable to cayenne)
Plant Size: Bushy, grows 2–3 feet tall; may be perennial in warm climates (zones 9–11) but often grown as an annual.
Fruit Size: Slender pods, 2–3 inches long, ripening from green to bright red.
Planting & Maintenance
Begin indoors 8–10 weeks before the last frost.
Sow seeds ¼ inch deep in a seed tray with well-draining soil.
Maintain 75–85°F for best germination (a heat mat helps).
Germination time: 10–20 days.
Harden off seedlings when nighttime temps stay above 55°F.
Space plants 18–24 inches apart in rows 2–3 feet apart.
Soil: loose, fertile, slightly acidic (pH 6.0–6.8).
Sunlight: Full sun, at least 6–8 hours daily.
Watering: Keep soil consistently moist but not soggy. Water deeply 1–2 times per week, more often in extreme heat.
Use a balanced fertilizer (10-10-10) before flowering.
Switch to one higher in phosphorus and potassium (like 5-10-10) once flowers appear to promote fruiting.
Support: The slender branches may need staking when loaded with peppers.
Pests/Disease: Watch for aphids, spider mites, and fungal issues—ensure good air circulation.
Harvesting
Timing: Green chilies can be harvested about 70–80 days after transplanting.
Fully ripened red pods take 90–100 days.
Method: Use scissors or pruning shears to avoid breaking stems.
Yield: Each plant can produce 50–100 pods under good conditions.
The following are tips for success.
Mulch around plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Prune lightly to encourage airflow and reduce disease.
In colder regions, grow in containers and bring indoors before frost.
Dry ripe red chilies by stringing them or using a dehydrator for long-term storage.
They can also be dried in a dehydrator or the oven.
With the right care, chili de árbol plants reward you with a steady supply of fiery red peppers perfect for salsas, sauces, and drying.
They make great salsas. Follow this link to get the recipe.