How to Grow Pasilla Peppers: Tips, Advice, and Fascinating Facts

Pasilla peppers, also known as “chilaca” peppers when fresh and “pasilla” when dried, are a staple in Mexican cuisine. Known for their rich, smoky flavor with mild heat, they are often used in sauces, moles, and salsas. Growing pasilla peppers is a rewarding experience, especially for those who enjoy complex, earthy flavors. Here’s a detailed guide on how to grow pasilla peppers, with interesting facts and answers to common questions.

1. Choose the Right Variety

Pasilla peppers are part of the larger Capsicum annuum family and are specifically known for their unique flavor and mild heat. You’ll find these varieties useful when growing pasilla peppers:

Pasilla Bajio: The most common variety, known for its dark green color when fresh and turning to a deep brown or black when dried. It has a mild heat and rich flavor.
Chilaca: The name given to pasilla peppers when they are still fresh and green, long and slender in shape.

2. Start Seeds Indoors

Pasilla peppers need a long growing season, so it’s best to start seeds indoors 8-10 weeks before the last frost. Here’s how to start your seeds:

Containers: Use small pots or seed trays filled with seed-starting mix for optimal drainage.
Temperature: Keep the soil temperature between 70-85°F for the best germination results, which usually takes 10-14 days.
Light: Provide your seedlings with 12-16 hours of light per day using grow lights or a sunny windowsill to promote healthy growth.

3. Transplanting Outdoors

Once your seedlings are 4-6 inches tall and the danger of frost has passed, it’s time to transplant them into your garden:

Hardening Off: Gradually expose the seedlings to outdoor conditions by placing them outside for a few hours each day over a week.
Location: Pasilla peppers thrive in full sunlight, so choose a spot that gets at least 6-8 hours of sunlight per day.
Soil: Pasilla peppers prefer well-draining soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. Mix compost or organic matter into the soil to boost its fertility and drainage.

4. Spacing and Support

Proper spacing and support will help ensure your pasilla peppers grow strong and healthy:

Spacing: Plant pasilla peppers about 18-24 inches apart to allow for good airflow and to give each plant enough room to grow.
Support: Pasilla peppers can grow up to 2-3 feet tall and may require support in the form of stakes or cages, especially as they begin to bear fruit.

5. Consistent Watering

Watering pasilla peppers properly is essential for their growth and fruit production:

Watering Schedule: Water the plants deeply once or twice a week, keeping the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Be careful not to let the soil dry out between waterings.
Mulching: Applying mulch around the base of the plants helps retain moisture, regulate soil temperature, and prevent weed growth.

6. Fertilizing for Optimal Growth

Fertilizing pasilla peppers at the right time will boost growth and lead to a larger yield:

Initial Fertilization: When transplanting your seedlings into the garden, mix in a balanced fertilizer (such as 10-10-10) to provide essential nutrients.
Ongoing Fertilization: Fertilize every 4-6 weeks during the growing season to encourage fruit production. Avoid over-fertilizing with nitrogen, as this can lead to more foliage and fewer peppers.

7. Pests and Diseases

Pasilla peppers are hardy plants, but they can still be affected by common garden pests and diseases. Here’s how to manage them:

Common Pests: Watch for aphids, flea beetles, and spider mites. Regularly inspect your plants and use neem oil or insecticidal soap to manage pest problems.
Diseases: Keep an eye out for fungal diseases like powdery mildew or root rot, especially in humid conditions. Ensure proper plant spacing for airflow, avoid overwatering, and water at the base of the plant to prevent wetting the leaves.

8. Harvesting Pasilla Peppers

Pasilla peppers can be harvested at different stages, depending on how you plan to use them:

When to Harvest: Pasilla peppers can be harvested when they are long and green, but for the best flavor, wait until they turn a dark brown or black, which usually happens about 80-90 days after planting.
How to Harvest: Use pruning shears or scissors to cut the peppers from the plant, leaving a small portion of the stem attached to avoid damaging the plant.

9. Drying and Storing Pasilla Peppers

Pasilla peppers are often dried to intensify their flavor and make them more shelf-stable:

Drying Methods: Pasilla peppers can be air-dried by hanging them in a well-ventilated area, or you can use a dehydrator or an oven set to a low temperature (150-175°F).
Storage: Store dried pasilla peppers in airtight containers in a cool, dry place. They can be rehydrated for use in sauces, moles, or ground into powder for seasoning.

Fascinating Facts About Pasilla Peppers

Scoville Rating: Pasilla peppers have a mild to moderate heat, ranging between 1,000 and 2,500 Scoville Heat Units (SHU), similar to poblano peppers.
Culinary Versatility: Pasilla peppers are often used in traditional Mexican dishes, especially in moles, sauces, and stews. When dried, they are known for their rich, earthy, and mildly spicy flavor.
Different Names: The term “pasilla” refers to the dried form of the pepper, while the fresh version is called “chilaca.” The name “pasilla” means “little raisin” in Spanish, referring to the pepper’s dark, wrinkled appearance when dried.
Regional Importance: Pasilla peppers are a key ingredient in Mexican cuisine and are often used in combination with other dried chiles like ancho and guajillo to create complex, flavorful sauces.

Common Questions About Growing Pasilla Peppers

Q: Why are my pasilla peppers staying green and not turning brown?
A: Pasilla peppers will turn brown as they mature. If your peppers are staying green, they may need more time to ripen. Ensure the plants are receiving plenty of sunlight and that they’re not being overwatered, which can slow down the ripening process.

Q: How long does it take for pasilla peppers to mature?
A: Pasilla peppers typically take 80-90 days to mature from transplanting. They can be harvested green or left on the plant until they turn dark brown or black for more intense flavor.

Q: Can I grow pasilla peppers in containers?
A: Yes, pasilla peppers can be grown in containers as long as the pots are at least 5 gallons in size and have good drainage. Make sure the container is placed in a sunny spot and that the soil is kept moist but not waterlogged.

Q: Should I prune my pasilla pepper plants?
A: Pruning pasilla pepper plants isn’t necessary but can help improve airflow and light exposure, leading to better fruit production. Remove any dead or damaged leaves and thin out dense areas of the plant to encourage healthy growth.

Q: How do I store dried pasilla peppers?
A: Dried pasilla peppers should be stored in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. They can last for several months when stored properly and can be rehydrated for use in recipes or ground into powder for seasoning.

Find out more facts about different peppers here