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Our New PMI Santa Fe Location is Now Open
Our New PMI Santa Fe Location is Now Open

(PA-9625) Española Improved Chile Seeds

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Original price $2.50 - Original price $2.50
Original price
$2.50
$2.50 - $2.50
Current price $2.50

Dr. Nakayama and Dr. Frank Matta released 'Española Improved' in 1984 (Matta & Nakayama, 1984). This cultivar resulted from a hybridization between 'Sandia' and a Northern New Mexico strain of chile. It is an early-maturing red chile cultivar (155 days). It was bred for earliness and adapted to the shorter growing season in north-central New Mexico. It produces long, smooth, fleshy fruit with broad shoulders tapering to a sharp point at the apex. This shape is common among native pod shapes in the area. The mature, dark green fruit of 'Española Improved' average 6.18 inches in length and 1.23 inches in width. Relatively high green pod yields, fruit size, and marketable characteristics (long, smooth pods) make it superior to native strains for use as green chile. Fruit are also adapted for dry red products; its smooth, well-shaped pod dries well. It has high heat levels, 1,500 to 2,000 SHU. It has been a popular cultivar for Northern New Mexico and other areas needing an early-maturing cultivar.

At first it tastes sweet and then medium hot. Its great flavor is the result of hand selection over hundreds of years. The Espanola Improved chile sauce is easy to make and delicious on enchiladas and burritos.

Allow the chile to remain on the plant and mature until almost completely red. The thin skinned pods are 6" -7" long and after harvesting will dry quickly in the sun. Capsicum annuum (75 days) Heirloom - Open-pollinated - Non-GMO

Heat Level: Mild Scoville 1,500 - 2,000

~ Packet contains 40 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 chile when they are green. If left on the plant a couple more weeks, the chile will turn red at full maturity.