Aji Rico Hot Pepper Plant

Light Needs

Full Sun

(At Least 6 Hours Of Direct Sunlight)

Mature Height

1-2 Feet

Mature Spread

6-18 Inches

Aji Rico Pepper won’t keep you waiting for the end of summer to harvest. The 3-4 inch, thin-walled peppers are ready for continual harvest from July to October. The medium hotness is rated at 1000-5000 on the Scoville scale and has an amazing citrusy flavor that adds a beautiful depth of flavor, whether raw or cooked. These peppers can be eaten at any stage of ripeness, from green to red, and are heavy producers throughout the season.

Aji Rico Pepper Care  

Aji Rico is a warm-weather, edible plant that needs to be protected from cold temperatures in the spring. Wait to plant in the ground, unprotected, until the nighttime temperatures reach 50 degrees F. Plant in a sunny position with well-draining soil that has been amended with 1-2 inches of organic compost. Space the plants 8 inches apart on center when planting directly in the ground. Growing in a raised bed will allow for closer spacing at 6 inches on center. Aji Rico is a stout plant that rarely needs staking or other support, even when loaded with chilis. Pinch out the top set of leaves to create a bushier plant that bears more fruit. 

Growing Aji Rico Pepper

Aji Rico is a quick-producing plant that makes fruit at 70-75 days from transplanting. Plant in an area with at least 6 hours of full sun exposure. Aji Rico is a smaller plant that stays compact with a height of 18-24 inches and a width of 10-12 inches. Start the seeds indoors six weeks from the last frost date in your area. Only plant out if protected with a cloche or unheated greenhouse before nighttime temperatures consistently reach 50 degrees F.

Peppers of all types grow well in containers and are perfect for placing on a deck or patio for quick picking. Use an all-purpose potting mix that has organic compost or worm castings mixed in. The container needs to have excellent drainage and be at least 12 inches in diameter. Peppers can be added to ornamental containers for a pop of color late in the season after other annuals have died off. 

Watering Aji Rico Pepper 

Peppers are dry garden plants. They require consistent watering after the fruit starts to form, but they require far less water than other crops, such as lettuce or beans. The top 3-4 inches of soil should dry out in between waterings. Using drip irrigation or a soaker hose will evenly wet the soil so that the roots do not become waterlogged.

Feeding Aji Rico Pepper 

Peppers are hungry feeders and benefit from 2 types of fertilizing. Amend the soil before planting with 1-2 inches of organic compost mixed in. Just as the first flowers form, feed the plants well with liquid seaweed or fish emulsion diluted in water. Drench the root area well and keep the fertilizer off the foliage.

SKU:

1231013905-pc