Aji Amarillo Pepper Seeds – Peruvian Yellow-Orange Heirloom Chili, 30,000–50,000 SHU (Capsicum baccatum)

Aji Amarillo is the soul of Peruvian cuisine — a Capsicum baccatum heirloom that forms the flavor backbone of ceviche, causa, aji de gallina, and countless other Andean dishes. Despite its name meaning "yellow pepper," the pods ripen to a brilliant deep orange, delivering medium-hot heat (30,000–50,000 SHU) layered with a uniquely fruity, raisin-like sweetness that no other chili replicates. Also known as Escabeche or Mirasol, this variety has been cultivated in Peru for centuries.

About Aji Amarillo

Plants are tall and vigorous, growing up to 180 cm (6 feet), making them one of the larger Capsicum baccatum varieties. The longer growing season and greater cold tolerance compared to many hot pepper varieties make Aji Amarillo a surprisingly adaptable garden pepper. Pods are elongated, wrinkled, and intensely aromatic — fresh, dried, or blended into paste, they are indispensable in South American cooking.

Culinary Uses

• Essential in Peruvian ceviche, aji de gallina, and causa
• Blend into Aji Amarillo paste for sauces, stews, and marinades
• Add fresh or dried to rice dishes, soups, and braised meats
• Use in South American escabeche (pickled pepper preparations)
• Dry and grind into a fruity, medium-hot chili powder

Wear gloves when handling. Wash hands thoroughly after removing gloves. Keep away from eyes and sensitive areas.

Growing Tips

• Start indoors 10–12 weeks before last frost. Sow seeds 1/4" deep in warm, moist organic seed-starting mix.
• Germination takes 1–4 weeks. Use a heat mat (80–85F) for best results.
• Soak seeds in room-temperature water for up to 24 hours before planting to accelerate germination.
• Avoid peat plugs and standard potting soil — organic seed-starting mix prevents damping off.
• Cold tolerant relative to other hot peppers — can handle slightly cooler conditions than typical Capsicum annuum varieties.
• Harden off gradually before transplanting outdoors. Move outside once nighttime temps stay above 55F.
• Stake or trellis tall plants for support as they mature.
• Container friendly — use 5-gallon or larger pots for best results.

Care Requirements

• Soil: Fertile, well-drained. Mulch around the base with straw or grass clippings.
• Water: Consistent deep watering during dry spells; soaker hoses recommended.
• Fertilizer: Slow-release at transplant; liquid feed every two weeks through the growing season.
• Harvest: Cut with garden scissors when pods reach full deep orange for peak flavor and heat. Pick regularly to encourage continued fruiting.