Aji Amarillo Chili seeds
One taste whisks you away to Peru where a symphony of exclusive dishes comes to mind. There are 2 different types of Aji Amarillo. In Peru where a family member is from, the chilis are medium-sized, slender but bulky in the center, and a yellow-gold color. The second type is a long slender chili with the same flavor and color. This is the smaller variety, each chili will grow to an average length of 1.5 -2 inches. (We do carry the bigger seed variety).
These chilis have a very unique flavor. We hadn't tried it until he made Peruvian dishes, including aji de gallina, Causa de Pollo, Lomo Soldado, etc. The chili has a little heat, not much, but just the right amount. There is a slightly fruity, smoky, earthy flavor that is definitely more savory than sweet.
Whenever folks wonder what makes Peruvian food so amazing and what's the secret, this is it. This can be used in dishes, to make aji cream dip for fried yucca fries (they're better than french fries, seriously!), to make your own hot sauce, or dry/freeze them and use them as needed.
Seed count:15
Botanic name:
Capsicum baccatum
Plant spacing:
12-18 inches
Color:
Dark golden-orange
Sowing depth:
1/4 inch
Sun requirements:
Full sun
Utilization:
The number one ingredient necessary for Peruvian cuisine, hands down. This also adds a pleasant heat and smokiness to soups and sauces.
Frost hardy:
No
Maturity days:
80-90 days
Life cycle:
Perennial
Can I start indoors:
Yes
Container friendly:
Yes
Other names:
Aji Mirasol, Peruvian Yellow Pepper, Aji Escabeche, Cusqueno, Cusqueño, Huancaína
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.
