Mulato Isleno

Family: Solanaceae Mildly Hot Pepper

Mulato Isleno peppers unfurl with a velvety, smoke-kissed aroma and a deep, earthy sweetness that lingers—an alluring balance of gentle heat and rich, cocoa-brown flavor.

At maturity, the fruits turn from glossy green to warm mahogany-brown, with thick, supple walls that feel substantial yet tender. Ideal for roasting and charring, they shine in sauces and salsas, lending body and a distinctive mulato depth that home gardeners love to grow for bold, smoky results.

Light: Full SunMaturity: 75 DaysHabit: Upright

Planting schedules and alerts are optimized for Columbus (Zone 6b).

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Mar 7th
Last Frost	Apr 25th
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Jun 20th
Harvest Begins	Sep 3rd
Harvest Ends	Oct 16th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	75
Sun Requirements	Full Sun
Growth Habit	Upright
Support Needed	Stake
Planting Depth	Normal
Germination Temp (°F)	80
Min Soil Temp (°F)	60
Min Night Temp (°F)	50
Harden Off (days)	10

Culinary Notes

Chef's Note

Mulato Isleno brings an unusually velvety, smoke-first aroma with a cocoa-brown sweetness that doesn’t turn harsh when charred. Roast until blistered, then blend the walls for a sauce that thickens naturally and clings to food instead of thinning out.

Best Uses

roast-and-peel for smoky salsas and table sauces
blended mulato paste for mole-style bases
charred pepper strips folded into tacos and rice
braised into pork or beans for a deep, lingering finish

Flavor Profile

gentle heat smoke-kissed, earthy sweetness cocoa-brown depth thick, tender walls that char cleanly

Kitchen Pairings

chocolate smoked paprika garlic lime dark chocolate or cocoa

Frequently Asked Questions

What pests or diseases commonly affect Capsicum annuum (Mulato Isleno), and how do I control them?

Watch for aphids and thrips, which can cause curled leaves and stunted growth in sweet/pepper types like Capsicum annuum. Spray insecticidal soap or neem early in the morning and repeat every 5–7 days until numbers drop, and remove heavily infested leaves. Also keep an eye out for blossom-end rot (a calcium/motting issue) and prevent it by maintaining consistent soil moisture—irregular watering is a major trigger.

How often should I water Mulato Isleno during peak growth, and what soil moisture level should I maintain?

During the main growing phase, water deeply to moisten the root zone, then let the top 1 inch of soil dry before watering again. In hot weather this often means about 2–3 waterings per week, but adjust so the soil stays evenly moist rather than alternating wet and dry. Mulching helps stabilize moisture and reduces the risk of blossom-end rot.

How can I tell when Mulato Isleno peppers are ready to harvest?

Harvest at about 75 days after transplant when pods have fully developed their mature size and have turned the intended dark color for “Mulato Isleno.” The peppers should feel firm and glossy, not soft or papery, and they typically detach easily with a gentle twist. If you’re aiming for dried use, let them mature further on the plant until fully colored before picking for curing.