Charger Anaheim is a widely adapted F1 hybrid pepper bred for reliable production and early maturity. This compact bush plant produces the classic long, slender Anaheim peppers that mature in just 65 days from transplants, making it one of the faster peppers to bring to harvest. Charger resists Tomato Spotted Wilt Virus, a significant advantage in regions where this disease pressures pepper crops. Space plants 12 inches apart and you'll have productive, manageable plants that fit well into most garden layouts.
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The real strength of Charger lies in its speed combined with disease resistance. You're looking at just 65 days from transplants to full-sized peppers, significantly faster than many open-pollinated Anaheims. The F1 hybrid genetics ensure consistent, vigorous plants that produce reliably even when conditions aren't perfect, and the built-in Tomato Spotted Wilt Virus resistance removes one major disease worry that plagues pepper growers.
Anaheim peppers are the workhorse of roasted pepper cuisine, particularly in New Mexico and Southwestern cooking. Charger produces the same versatile, moderately sized peppers that roast beautifully over an open flame or under a broiler until the skin chars and blackens. Once roasted, the thin skin peels away easily to reveal the tender, slightly sweet flesh underneath. These peppers also dry well for chile powder or can be stuffed, fried, or added fresh to salsas and other dishes.
No timeline data available yet for this variety.
Sow seeds indoors in late March or about 8 weeks before your transplant date, sowing 4 seeds per inch in shallow flats or 20-row trays at a depth of 1/4 inch. Keep soil temperatures at 80-90°F for steady germination, as pepper seeds germinate very slowly in cooler conditions. When the first true leaves appear, transplant seedlings into 2-inch cell-type containers or 4-inch pots and grow them at approximately 70°F during the day and 60°F at night. This slower, cooler growing approach builds stronger transplants with better vigor.
Transplant outdoors after the last frost date when soil is warm and weather is settled. Ideally, your seedlings will have developed buds but not yet flowered. Space plants 12 inches apart to give them room for full development.
Harvest Charger Anaheim peppers 65 days after transplanting, when they reach full size. You can pick them at the mature green stage for fresher flavor or let them turn red on the plant if you prefer sweeter, riper peppers. Cut peppers from the plant with a sharp knife or pruner rather than pulling, which can damage the delicate stems.
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