Chilhuacle Amarillo Pepper Seeds – Oaxacan Heirloom Mole Chili (Capsicum annuum)

Chilhuacle Amarillo is one of the three sacred chiles at the heart of Oaxacan cooking — indispensable in traditional mole dishes and a cornerstone of Mexican culinary heritage. Long, 6-inch pods grow about 1 inch wide and ripen from green to orange-yellow on vigorous 4-foot plants. The flavor is exceptional: sweet and citrusy with earthy smoky undertones and jalapeño-level heat. Roast and peel before using to soften the skin; the result is a complex, deeply flavored chili that makes stunning moles, stuffed peppers, and powders.

Variety Details

• Species: Capsicum annuum
• Origin: Oaxaca, Mexico (heirloom)
• Pod Size: ~6 inches long × 1 inch wide
• Color Progression: Green → Orange-yellow
• Flavor: Sweet, citrusy, smoky
• Heat Level: Jalapeño-equivalent (medium)
• Plant Height: Up to 4 feet
• Type: Heirloom, open-pollinated, organically grown
• Best Use: Mole, roasting, stuffing, drying, chili powder

Starting Seeds

• Sow ¼ inch deep indoors 8–10 weeks before last frost
• Germination temperature: 80–85°F — heat mat recommended; 1–4 weeks to germinate
• Use organic seed-starting mix; avoid jiffy peat pots or standard potting soil
• Transplant outdoors after last frost when soil is consistently warm

Growing Tips

• Full sun; fertile, well-drained soil
• Add compost to planting hole; feed with compost tea every 2–3 weeks
• Mulch around base; grows well in containers