What hardiness zones is Capsicum annuum 'Anaheim' suitable for?

Capsicum annuum 'Anaheim' is a mild to moderate chili pepper cultivar in the Solanaceae family, growing 24–30 inches (60–75 cm) tall and 18–24 inches (45–60 cm) wide. Fruit are elongated, tapered, 6–8 inches (15–20 cm) long and 1.5–2 inches (4–5 cm) wide at the shoulder, with smooth, glossy skin ripening from dark green to red. Flesh walls are thick (3–4 mm), making the fruit suitable for stuffing, roasting, and peeling. Scoville heat rating is 500–2,500 SHU — mild, with occasional moderate heat in stressed plants. The name 'Anaheim' derives from Emilio Ortega, who brought seed from New Mexico to Anaheim, California in 1894 and established the first commercial chile canning operation. In New Mexico, the same general type is grown under regional cultivar names ('Hatch', 'Big Jim', 'Sandia') and is the basis of the New Mexico chile industry. Days to maturity: 75–80 days from transplant (green harvest), 95–100 days to red. Plants produce 8–15 fruit per plant under good conditions. Susceptible to phytophthora root rot in poorly drained soil, blossom end rot (calcium deficiency), and aphids.

Native Range

Capsicum annuum is native to Mexico and Central America. 'Anaheim' was developed from New Mexico-type chiles brought to Anaheim, California in 1894.

Suggested Uses

Roasted and peeled for green chile dishes — the thick walls blister and separate cleanly under high heat (broiler or flame). Stuffed for chile rellenos. Dried red Anaheim fruit are strung into ristras for decorative and culinary use. In the Pacific Northwest, grown as a warm-season annual in the sunniest, most sheltered garden sites or in containers on south-facing patios.

How to Identify

Identified by the long (6–8 inches / 15–20 cm), tapered, thick-walled fruit ripening from green to red, and the mild heat level (500–2,500 SHU). Distinguished from 'Poblano' by the longer, narrower shape and thinner walls. Distinguished from 'Cayenne' by the much wider fruit, thicker walls, and dramatically lower heat level.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height2' - 2'6"

Width/Spread1'6" - 2'

Reaches mature size in approximately 1 years

Colors

Flower Colors

white

Foliage Colors

green

Fall Foliage Colors

no change

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~14 weeks

Summer

Small, white, five-petalled flowers 0.5–0.75 inch (12–18 mm) across appear at branch nodes from June through September. Each flower is self-pollinating. Fruit develops within 2–3 weeks of pollination. Continuous flowering and fruiting throughout the growing season if temperatures remain above 60°F (15°C).

Detailed Descriptions

Foliage Description

Dark green

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

Full Sun

Requires 6-10 hours of direct sunlight daily

• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight

• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight

• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range6.0 - 7.0(Neutral)

357912

Soil Types

loam sand

Drainagewell drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Medium

Frost Tolerance

tender

Time to Maturity

75-80 days green; 95-100 days red

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Start seed indoors 8–10 weeks before last frost. Transplant after soil reaches 65°F (18°C) and night temperatures stay above 55°F (13°C). Space 18–24 inches (45–60 cm) apart in rows 24–30 inches (60–75 cm) apart. Full sun, fertile well-drained soil, pH 6.0–7.0. Water 1–1.5 inches (2.5–4 cm) per week — consistent moisture prevents blossom end rot. Feed with a balanced vegetable fertiliser at transplant, then switch to low-nitrogen, high-phosphorus feed at flowering. Harvest green at 75–80 days or leave to ripen red at 95–100 days. In the Pacific Northwest, use black plastic mulch and row covers to accumulate heat units.

Pruning

No pruning required for standard garden culture. Pinch the first flower buds if plants are set out early and still small — this redirects energy to root and branch development. Staking or caging prevents wind damage on heavily laden plants.