Perhaps one of the most underrated pepper varieties, poblano peppers are a force to be reckoned with. With a Scoville heat unit rating of 1,000 to 1,500, poblano peppers pack quite the punch, even if there is some mildness to their heat.
And when it comes to flavor? These peppers have a rich, earthy taste with hints of chocolate especially when dried. No wonder they are used to add a touch of zing to a variety of dishes including steaks, spaghetti sauces, sandwiches, and so much more.
One thing that you will love about this pepper variety is that it is quite easy to grow, and let’s not even get started on how prolific they are! What’s more, you will find the harvesting process to be a breeze too.
If you’re lucky enough to have thriving poblano pepper plants in your garden, you might be wondering when the right time is to pick poblano peppers. Keep reading to find out!
When to pick poblano peppers
Poblano pepper plants take approximately 65 to 80 days after planting seeds to produce peppers. The best time to pick poblano peppers is when they attain a size of 4-6 inches (just a tad smaller than your hand) and have turned deep green in color with a glossy sheen to the skin. The peppers should also be firm to the touch.
Technically, green peppers are at an immature stage, but they are perfect if you like them less hot. If, however, you want your poblano peppers to be a bit spicier, wait until they turn red before picking them. That’s ideal if you want to dry or smoke them.
Bear in mind, however, that leaving them on the plant for so long will make the peppers shrivel and take on a purplish hue.
When picking poblanos, they should snap right off as long as they are ready for picking. On the other hand, you risk getting too much foliage when you pick poblano peppers that are not ready.
This may happen a lot to you if you prefer to harvest your poblanos when they are still green and not too hot. In such a case, you should consider using a sharp pair of scissors or, better yet, shears for harvesting.
How to pick poblano peppers
Picking poblano peppers is a relatively easy task that can be done by anyone, regardless of age or experience. The most important thing is to ensure that the peppers are ready for picking, as mentioned earlier.
Once you have ascertained that the peppers are good to go, simply push the foliage away from the pepper, then snap them off the plant, when picking ripe peppers. Make sure to avoid pulling peppers from the plant, if they don’t come off readily. Doing so can cause some damage to the plant as well as knock off other peppers that you did not intend to harvest.
In cases of less ripe peppers, you will want to cut them with scissors or shears, making sure to get as little foliage as possible. When cutting, don’t cut more than 1/4-inch of the stem above the pepper.
After you have harvested your poblano peppers, the next step is to properly clean and prepare them for use. Start by rinsing them under cool water then patting them dry with a clean kitchen towel.
If you are not using them immediately, store them in the fridge, in a plastic bag, preferably for up to a week.
How to care for your poblano pepper plants
Poblano pepper plants are relatively easy to take care of and only require minimal maintenance. For the most part, all you need to do is water them regularly (about 1-2 inches per week), making sure the soil is always moist but not soggy.
It is also important to fertilize your plants approximately six weeks after you’ve planted them using a water-soluble fertilizer. You can continue feeding them every two-to-three weeks using organic fertilizers that are rich in calcium, phosphorous, and potassium.
As for pests and diseases, the most common ones that affect poblano pepper plants include aphids and cutworms. Aphids are small, pear-shaped insects that feast on plant sap, causing the leaves to discolor and curl. Cutworms, on the other hand, are small, brownish caterpillars that feast on plant leaves and stems, causing them to wilt and die.
The best way to combat these pests is to use an organic insecticide such as neem oil. You can also try using traps, such as yellow sticky traps, to attract and kill aphids. For cutworms, you can try using a physical barrier such as a cardboard collar placed around the base of the plant. In some cases, you may have to use physical removal, such as picking them off by hand.
Of course, the best way to prevent pests and diseases is to start with healthy plants. Make sure to buy plants from a reputable source and avoid those that show signs of pests or diseases.
On the whole,
Poblano peppers are a delicious and versatile addition to any meal. And, luckily, they are also quite easy to grow and harvest. The next time you are wondering when to pick poblano peppers, remember that the best time is when they are 4-6 inches long, deep green in color, and glossy. You can also pick them when they are red, but they will be a tad hotter.