Peruvian Lemon Drop chili seeds
The Peruvian Lemon Drop (a.k.a. Ají Limón) is a bright yellow, somewhat crinkled chili. It is a famous chili in Peru, commonly used as a seasoning pepper in numerous dishes. The flavor is slightly citrusy and hot, with lemon and grassy notes. Each chili can grow approx. 2-2.5 inches long. These will range between 30,000 and 50,000 Scoville units. These chili bushes can reach 2 feet tall or higher and will be loaded with plenty of chilis. These can be dried and ground into a chili powder or blended with vinegar and a little salt and spices to make an exceptionally unique hot sauce you've never had before.
These do exceptionally well in containers. Although they love the summer heat, they benefit from some shade in the late afternoon on summer days. These chilis also over-winter well with proper care.
Seed count: 20
Botanic name:
Capsicum baccatum
Plant spacing:
12-18 inches
Color:
Bright yellow
Sowing depth:
1/4 inch
Sun requirements:
Full sun
Utilization:
Lemon Drop is a popular chili used for making Peruvian hot sauces, but can be incorporated into foods to add a spicey-citrus flavor.
Frost hardy:
No
Maturity days:
80-90 days
Life cycle:
Perennial
Can I start indoors:
Yes
Container friendly:
Yes
Other names:
N/A
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.
