Ancho peppers and mulato peppers are dried forms of the poblano pepper. Dried ancho chile peppers, used in dishes such as chiles rellenos, have a long and blocky shape or a heart shape. These large, 4- to 6-inch-long peppers have thin walls and can be used while green or when ripened to a red shade.
Heat
The heat of an ancho pepper, rated at 1,000 to 1,500 Scoville units by the University of California, places the peppers at the lower end of the heat scale. Ancho peppers are only slightly hotter than Anaheim peppers, which rank just ahead of bell peppers. The pungency of ancho peppers ranges from "mild" for the 'Ancho 101,' 'Esmerelda' and 'New Mexican' to "warm" for 'Poblano' and 'Verdano.'
Types
The list of poblano cultivars includes 'Ancho,' 'Ancho Esmeralda,' 'Chorro,' 'Miahuateco,' 'Mulato Roque' and 'Verdeno.' The warns that "Poblano does not always produce typical fruit in the United States, except in the area around Oxnard, California."
Conditions
Pepper plants need many warm weather weeks to reach maturity and bear fruit. According to the Iowa State University Extension, "temperature has a large effect on the rate of plant and fruit growth and the development and quality of the red or yellow pigments." Red coloring develops best at temperatures between 65 to 75 .
The plants require adequate moisture for good development and set of fruit and constant and consistent moisture to avoid blossom rot. Mulching the plant roots helps trap moisture and keeps the soil warm. Pepper plants also require good drainage and full sun.
Starting Peppers
In most states, growers will need to start pepper seed indoors, 6 to 12 weeks before the last frost date for their area. Plant the seeds 1/4-inch deep in individual peat pots, as this should help preserve the plants' roots during transfer. Once nighttime temperatures exceed 55 or after all frost danger passes, harden the plants off through slow exposure to outdoor conditions.
Placement
Space the plants 18 inches apart in rows at least 2 feet apart. Different varieties of chilies can cross-pollinate and require separation and isolation in the garden if growers want the varieties to retain their individual properties.
Peppers show sensitivity to the sun and their surfaces can scald. Closer spacing can be used to fight the effects of sun scald, but may lead to problems with disease due to decreased airflow. Consistent watering reduces the chance for blossom-end rot to damage plants.
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