Aji Cachucha (aji dulce) chili seeds
These sweet and mild chilis are popular in Caribbean and South American Cuisine. Aji ("sweet pepper") Cachucha ("hat) are also known as Aji dulce or simple "sweet pepper". These look similar to habanero peppers but are far sweeter and milder. These seeds will produce peppers that have a 0-1000 Scoville unit, the same as a poblano pepper. Each chili has thick juicy walls and minimal seeds. The flavor is fruity, and sweet, with a light smokiness. These chilis are used to make exquisite sofrito and tasty black bean dishes. These are as good raw as they are prepared in cooked dishes. Each plant will grow upwards of 4-4.5' tall and produce high yields of delicious chili peppers.
Seed count: 10
Botanic name:
Capsicum chinense
Plant spacing:
14-18 inches apart
Color:
Green chilis will ripen to a bright red.
Sowing depth:
1/4 inch
Sun requirements:
Full sun
Utilization:
Perfect for making Cuban, Caribbean, and South American dishes. It's low heat level and fruitiness make these chilis ideal for raw and prepared dishes.
Frost hardy:
No
Maturity days:
90-100 days
Life cycle:
Perennial
Can I start indoors:
Yes
Container friendly:
Yes
Other names:
Ajícito, Ají Dulce, Ají Cachucha, and Ají Gustoso
Scoville Units:
Growing Instructions:
Indoor Seed Starting
Gather Your Supplies:
- High-quality seed starting mix
- Seed trays or small pots
- Chili and pepper seeds of your choice
- Germination mat or heat mat
- Grow lights (if natural light is insufficient)
- Labels and a pen for plant identification
Sow the Seeds:
Fill your trays or pots with damp seed starting mix.
Make small indentations about ¼ inch deep. Place a couple of seeds in each hole.
Gently cover the seeds with a thin layer of mix and mist with water.
Provide Consistent Warmth:
This is the most important aspect! Chili and pepper seeds germinate best with soil temperatures between 75-85°F (24-29°C).
Place your seed trays on the germination mat to maintain the optimal temperature.
Maintain Moisture:
Keep the soil consistently moist, but not waterlogged. Use a spray bottle to mist the soil.Consider placing a humidity dome or plastic wrap over the trays to retain moisture.
Provide Light:
Once the seedlings emerge, provide them with plenty of light.
If using grow lights, keep them a few inches above the seedlings, adjusting their height as they grow.
Outdoor Seed Starting:
Timing is Crucial:
Peppers and chilies thrive in warm weather. Start your seeds outdoors only after the last frost risk has passed, and soil temperatures remain consistently warm.
Prepare the Soil:
Choose a sunny, well-drained spot in your garden.
Amend the soil with compost to boost its fertility.
Direct Sow Your Seeds
Follow the seed packet instructions for spacing.
Sow the seeds at the recommended depth and cover them lightly with soil.Water them thoroughly.
Hardening Off (For Indoor-Started Plants):
Before transplanting indoor-started seedlings outdoors, gradually acclimate them to outdoor conditions over a period of 7-10 days.
Start by placing them in a sheltered spot with partial shade for a few hours daily. Gradually increase their exposure to direct sunlight and wind.
Additional Tips:
Spacing: Plant spacing will vary depending on the chili or pepper variety. Research the specific needs of your chosen varieties.
Drought Tolerance: While chili and pepper plants are relatively drought tolerant, they will perform best with regular watering, especially during flowering and fruiting.
Container Growing: Chili and pepper plants thrive in containers. Choose a pot that's appropriately sized for the mature plant.
