Pasilla Bajio
75d to harvest
A slow-building warmth with a smoky, raisin-like depth—Pasilla Bajio peppers hang in the garden like dark lanterns, their skins ripening from glossy green to a velvety, near-black brown. The pods are long and gently tapered, with a supple, medium-thick flesh that turns wonderfully aromatic when dried or gently roasted, and it shines in salsas, adobo-style sauces, and chile-forward seasonings. For home gardeners, it’s a rewarding 75-day crop that delivers bold flavor and a striking, elegant silhouette from summer into early fall.
Crop Dates
| Milestone | Date |
|---|---|
| Start Indoors | Mar 27th |
| Last Frost | May 15th |
| Transplant / Sow Outdoors | Jul 10th |
| Harvest Begins | Sep 23rd |
| Harvest Ends | Sep 24th |
Crop Details
| Trait | Value |
|---|---|
| Days to Maturity | 75 |
| Sun Requirements | Full Sun |
| Growth Habit | Bush |
| Support Needed | Stake |
| Planting Depth | Normal |
| Germination Temp (°F) | 80 |
| Min Soil Temp (°F) | 60 |
| Min Night Temp (°F) | 50 |
| Harden Off (days) | 10 |
Recommended Companions
Frequently Asked Questions
What pest or disease commonly affects Capsicum annuum (Pasilla Bajio), and how can I treat it?
Watch for pepper maggots and thrips; thrips often show as silvery stippling on leaves and new growth that curls. For maggots, remove and destroy infested fruits early and use yellow sticky traps to reduce adult activity. If you see fungal leaf spots or gray mold in humid weather, improve airflow (space plants and avoid wetting foliage) and remove infected leaves promptly; if it’s spreading, use a labeled fungicide for edible peppers following the package directions.
How often should I water Pasilla Bajio during the main growing phase?
During flowering and fruit set, keep the soil consistently evenly moist—water deeply about 1–2 times per week, but adjust to weather so the top 1 inch of soil dries slightly between waterings. Mulch around the plants to reduce swings; avoid letting the root zone fully dry, which can trigger blossom drop and misshapen peppers. In containers, check more often because Capsicum annuum dries faster and may need smaller, more frequent deep waterings.
How do I know when Pasilla Bajio peppers are ready to harvest?
Pasilla Bajio is typically ready around 75 days, when fruits have reached full size and turn from green to a deep brown/near-black color for drying. Harvest by cutting the stem with scissors; peppers left too long can become overly soft and harder to dry evenly. For fresh eating, pick earlier when still dark but firm, while the skin is not wrinkled.