How to Grow Poblano Peppers in Cooler Climates

Poblano peppers are a popular choice among gardeners due to their rich flavor and versatility in culinary applications. These peppers can be cultivated in a variety of climates, including cooler regions. You can successfully grow these in USDA hardiness zones 4 to 8, making them accessible for many home gardeners. Use this simple tool to find your hardiness zone:

This guide offers valuable tips and methods for cultivating this delicious peppers.

Planting

You can purchase seedlings from local nurseries or order them online from Amazon.

Affiliate Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.

These are 75-day-old  plants, ready to be planted.  Each order includes three mature, organic starter plants with well-developed roots, ensuring a robust start and high yields.

The Clovers Garden Poblano Chili Pepper Plants come as two healthy live plants, 4–8 inches tall, ready to grow in 4-inch pots. These mild-heat peppers (1500 SHU) are versatile for fresh use, roasting, or drying as chile ancho. They grow well in containers or gardens, producing peppers throughout the season and benefiting from staking or caging. Priced at $29.97 with a 3.9-star rating from 29 reviews, you can find the Clovers Garden Poblano Chili Pepper Plants at Amazon.

Seeds

If you have the time and equipment, you can save by growing seeds instead of seedlings.

The Survival Garden Seeds Poblano Pepper Seeds provide a reliable way to grow flavorful, mild-heat peppers at home. These non-GMO, heirloom seeds are ideal for both beginners and experienced gardeners. The packet includes clear instructions for planting and growing.

You can find Seeds for Planting at Amazon here.

This is my routine for growing from seed:

Tray seeding

Start by filling the cells of your seed tray with a lightweight seed-starting mix conducive to germination. Place one or two Poblano seeds in each cell, pushing them about a quarter-inch deep into the soil.

Grow medium

I recommend using compressed coco coir pots for germination, which facilitate easier management of the growing medium.

Check Amazon here for the latest prices.

I utilize these straightforward 12 Cell trays for germination:

You can purchase a 5-pack for $11.99 at Amazon, and check the latest prices and buy the trays here.

After sowing the seeds, lightly mist the surface of the soil to keep the seeds in place. Cover the tray to maintain humidity, which is vital for germination.

A south-facing window provides optimal sunlight, but grow lights can also be effective for indoor setups.

LED Lighting from Bloom Lume

Bloom Lume’s full-spectrum LED lights replicate natural sunlight, fostering healthy indoor growth. The adjustable brightness and customizable timers optimize photosynthesis and plant health.

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Transplanting

When seedlings form two sets of true leaves, they are ready to be transplanted into larger pots to support their root systems. Follow these best practices:

Water thoroughly after transplanting to encourage the soil to settle around the roots.

Select pots that are at least 6 inches in diameter for sufficient root space.

Handle seedlings with care to preserve delicate roots during the transition.

The Importance of Good Soil

Before starting to grow, it’s essential to assess the condition of the soil in your garden. The best soil is a blend of mineral-rich dirt and organic matter. In my garden, I compost as much as possible to enrich the soil with nutrients. I use both hot composting for food scraps and cold composting for organic garden waste.

If you don’t have the time or space to compost, you can purchase compost from Amazon, local garden centers or use community composting programs. Learn more about community composting here: Learn more about community composting here.

Where I live I get a large tax refund every year for composting may own organic waste. Due to this saving I was able to break even on the cost at only two year use. I recommend you to check with your local government if you can receive any tax refund.

Care

• Water: Ensure the soil remains evenly moist, particularly during growth, without over-saturating.
• Fertilize: Use a balanced fertilizer regularly to encourage vigorous growth and fruit production.
• Pest Control: Keep an eye out for pests and diseases, utilizing organic treatments when required.

Pollination Strategies

Though Poblano peppers are capable of self-pollination, providing manual assistance can enhance yield. Gently shake the plants or transfer pollen between flowers to improve fruit set.

Harvesting

Poblano peppers are ripe for harvest when they are firm and glossy, typically 75-90 days after planting.

Growth

Growth Phase	Timeline	Important Needs
Seed Germination	2-4 weeks	Warm conditions, consistent moisture, well-drained soil
Vegetative Development	4-6 weeks	Full sunlight, regular watering
Flowering Period	2-3 weeks	Consistent temperatures, manual pollination
Fruit Growth	4-6 weeks	Moisture retention, essential nutrients

Pepper Heat

The heat level of chili peppers is gauged by the Scoville Heat Unit (SHU) scale, which represents the concentration of capsaicin. For Poblano peppers, the heat intensity is mild, ranging from 1,000 to 2,000 SHU.

Chili Pepper Strength Scale

The heat of chili peppers is gauged by the Scoville Heat Unit (SHU) scale, determining the capsaicin level, the spicy compound. From mild to fiery hot peppers, there are various types.

Pepper Name	Scoville Heat Units (SHU)	Heat Level	Common Uses
Bell Pepper	0	None	Salads, stuffing, grilling
Poblano	1,000 – 2,000	Mild	Roasting, sauces, stuffing
Jalapeño	2,500 – 8,000	Mild to Medium	Salsas, pickling, and garnishing
Serrano	10,000 – 23,000	Medium	Spicy salsas, sauces, marinades
Cayenne	30,000 – 50,000	Hot	Spice blends, hot sauces, soups
Thai Chili	50,000 – 100,000	Very Hot	Curries, stir-fries, spicy dishes
Habanero	100,000 – 350,000	Extremely Hot	Hot sauces, marinades, salsas
Ghost Pepper	800,000 – 1,041,427	Super Hot	Extreme hot sauces, chili challenges
Carolina Reaper	1,641,183 – 2,200,000	World’s Hottest	Specialty sauces, extreme challenges

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