Chiles de Arbol are a favorite in Mexican cuisine because of their bold heat and subtle, natural smoky flavor. They originated in Chihuahua, Mexico and dry well with good red color for use as wreaths or other decorative items. Fresh pods can be pureed to make a sauce for chips or to season the pork filling for tamales. When left whole, they can add great flavor to oils and vinegar. Toasted pods can be ground into a powder to season red chile sauces or to create a spice rub.
Narrow pendant shaped fruits grow to 3” long and mature from light green to dark red with a woody stem. This vigorous plant can reach over 4 feet in height in one season and resembles a little tree. Capsicum annuum (90 days)
Heat Level: Very Hot. Scoville Heat Units 15,000 - 30,000
~ Packet contains 10 seeds.
In early spring, start seeds indoors 8 weeks prior to warm nightly temperatures. Place the seeds in sterile media and cover 1/4” deep. Provide 85°F bottom heat, bright light and keep moist at all times. Seeds will germinate in 7 - 21 days. Transplant seedlings into pots and grow until there are 6 true leaves on the plant. Plant them directly into rich soil, 30” apart or into large 5 gallon containers. Harvest when peppers are red and full size.