507 · Hatch (NuMex Big Jim)

About this plant

A New Mexico green chile bred for size, with long, meaty pods that can reach ten inches, ripening green to red. Heat is mild, generally 500 to 2,000 Scoville, with the deep roasted flavor Hatch chile is famous for; roast, peel, and freeze it by the bag. The heavy fruit can pull branches down, so stake the plants.

Planting it at home

When to plant out

Wait until after our last frost (about mid-February) and warm soil — usually March. Until then keep the pot in a sunny, sheltered spot and bring it in on cold nights.

Spacing

18"

Size

24–30 in tall × 18–24 in wide

Support

Bush / compact — little or no support

Care

Sun

Full sun

Water

Even, moderate; deep & infrequent

Feed

Every 3–4 weeks with a balanced vegetable fertilizer; go light on nitrogen so plants set fruit (general guide).

Pick / harvest

Green or red — either is fine to pick

Good to know

Grown from

Seed — sown by FHCG volunteers

Spice level

Medium (2,500–3,000 Scoville)

Heirloom or hybrid

Heirloom — saved seeds grow true

Days to harvest

~75

Heat (our summer)

High

Color

Green → red