Anaheim Pepper
Capsicum annuum — 500–2,500 SHU
The Anaheim is California's most popular cooking pepper — long, mild, thick-walled, and incredibly versatile. Named after Anaheim, California, it's the pepper used in commercial canned green chillies and a staple of Southwestern US cooking. Easy to grow, highly productive, and perfect for roasting, stuffing, and making sauces where you want rich pepper flavour without significant heat.
🔥 Heat Scale
🌱 How to Grow Anaheim Peppers
6–8 hours daily. Large plants that produce well in a sheltered sunny garden bed or big container.
Ideal 20–28°C. Tolerant of moderate temperatures — reliable outdoors in a warm summer.
Consistent moisture for thick-walled, large fruit. Inconsistent watering causes blossom end rot — a common issue with big-fruited peppers.
20L+ pot or direct in the ground. Anaheims become large, productive plants that benefit from maximum root space.
High-potassium tomato feed from first flower. Large fruits need steady nutrition throughout the season.
Harvest green for roasting and sauces, or ripen to red for a sweeter flavour. The classic green chilli sauce uses green Anaheim.
🩺 Common Problems
Cause: Calcium deficiency from irregular watering
Fix: Water consistently, add calcium supplement or crushed eggshells, mulch to retain moisture
Cause: Under-feeding or pot too small for plant size
Fix: Upsize container, feed weekly with potassium fertiliser
Cause: High nitrogen or heat stress during flowering
Fix: Switch to potassium feed at first flower, shade during peak heat
Cause: Cool, damp conditions in autumn
Fix: Improve airflow, harvest before frost threatens, remove affected fruit immediately
❓ Common Questions
How hot is an Anaheim pepper?
500–2,500 SHU — very mild. Most people don't detect any real heat. Rich earthy flavour makes them excellent for cooking even for heat-sensitive eaters.
What's the best way to use Anaheim peppers?
Roast, peel, and use in sauces, stews, or as a burrito/taco filling. Stuff with cheese for chiles rellenos. Blend roasted with tomatillos for a classic green chilli sauce.
Is Anaheim the same as New Mexico pepper?
They're closely related — Anaheim was originally grown from New Mexico pepper seeds. New Mexico varieties (like Hatch) tend to be slightly hotter and are grown specifically in the Hatch Valley of New Mexico.
Can I freeze Anaheim peppers?
Yes — roast, peel, and freeze in portions. Frozen roasted Anaheims are extremely convenient for quick sauces and stews throughout the year.
