Chile de Arbol means "chile of the tree", These chile pepper plants earned this name because the plants have an appearance similar to that of little trees. They are tree shaped, have a thick, woody stems that resemble a tree's truck and branches and are relatively tall for a pepper plant. The Chile de Arbol plants produce generous yields of peppers that are 2-3 inches long and are darkly colored peppers with a heat that is similar to cayenne pepper. The dark red color and often slightly curved shape of the attractive Chile de Arbol peppers makes them preferred for use in crafts of all types, in addition to their culinary value.

Chili Peppers:

Plant Chile de Arbol seeds indoors in temperate climates at least eight weeks before the outdoor planting date. About 1-2 weeks after your areas frost free date. (mid to late May in Northern Illinois where we are) The de Arbol seeds should be sown 1/4 in deep and kept moist but not wet. The seeds should also be kept in a warm place to promote germination.

If your home is cool or drafty, a seed mate available at nurseries or a heating pad on low can be placed underneath the containers with the Chile de Arbol seeds to make sure they remain warm. Remember, these are tropical plants that require warm, moist conditions to sprout. Germination should occur is 10-20 days, possible longer if conditions are less than ideal. Do not allow the soil to dry completely out during this time because doing so will cause seeds in the process of germination to die.

If you started more than one seed in the pots thin them to one plant each leaving the strongest looking plant. 4-6 inch plants are ideal for transplanting outside to your garden. Chile de Arbol plants should be set in full sun in well draining soil 18-24 inches apart in rows that are 24-36 inches apart. This is ideal placing so if you have limited space in your garden as I do; they can be placed a bit closer and still do well.

Once well established and the weather is warm the Chile de Arbol plants should be mulch with untreated grass clips or another organic material and watered well during dry weather. The Chile de Arbol peppers should start to ripen about 75 days after transplant. There is no reason to wait that long, these spicy peppers can be picked and eaten while still green and immature. I always do!