Poblano Seeds

Hailing from the heart of Mexico, the Poblano chilli is a flavourful addition to your culinary repertoire. Whether you enjoy it fresh or dried as the Ancho chilli, this versatile ingredient offers a perfect balance of mild to medium heat and a slightly sweet taste. Bring a touch of Mexico to your New Zealand garden with Ignition Seeds' Poblano chilli seeds, and let your taste buds experience the vibrant flavours of this culinary gem.

To cultivate your own Poblano chilli plants, begin by sowing seeds indoors during New Zealand's late summer (February to March). Plant seeds in seed trays or pots filled with quality seed-raising mix, covering them with a fine layer of mix. Keep the soil moist and maintain a temperature between 21 and 32°C to ensure germination. Transplant seedlings to your garden or larger pots once they reach 5-7cm in height, which typically occurs around 6-8 weeks after sowing.

When growing Poblano chilli plants, it's essential to provide a sunny spot with well-draining soil. Ensure they receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily and are spaced 60 to 90cm apart. Keep the soil moist, but not waterlogged, by watering deeply and allowing the soil to dry before watering again. To maintain healthy growth and maximise fruit production, apply a balanced, slow-release fertiliser every 4-6 weeks, and add organic matter to the soil to improve fertility.

Harvest your Poblano chillies when they reach 6-10cm in length and are a deep, glossy green. For a spicier and more intense flavour, allow some chillies to ripen fully to a dark red or brown colour. Expect to harvest your Poblano chillies approximately 75 to 80 days after sowing. When harvesting, use a sharp pair of scissors to cut the chilli stem, leaving a small portion of stem attached to the fruit to prolong freshness.

With a heat rating of 1,000 to 1,500 Scoville Heat Units (SHUs), Poblano chillies provide a pleasant warmth without overpowering your taste buds. Ideal for those new to chillies or who prefer a milder heat, Poblano chillies are perfect for a wide variety of dishes.

Vigilance is key to keeping your Poblano chilli plants healthy and free from pests like aphids, whiteflies, and spider mites. Regularly inspect your plants and use natural or organic pesticides if needed. Ensure good air circulation and adequate spacing between plants to minimise humidity and the risk of fungal diseases like powdery mildew.

Poblano chillies are a versatile ingredient, ideal for a wide range of Mexican and Tex-Mex dishes. Try them in classic recipes like chiles rellenos, poblano pepper and cheese quesadillas, or slow-cooked Ancho chilli beef. Experiment with Poblano chillies in soups, stews, and salsas to add depth of flavour and a mild kick of heat to your meals.