Ají Dulce (Ajicito) Sweet Pepper Seeds

Ají Dulce Sweet Pepper Seeds

Grow Ají Dulce, the aromatic Caribbean and Latin American seasoning pepper also known as Ajicito and Ají Gustoso. The small, lantern-shaped fruits are valued for their fruity pepper flavor and are used in sofrito, stews, sauces, rice dishes, marinades, roasting, and fresh preparations.

Seed Details

• Botanical group: Capsicum chinense
• Product: Sweet pepper seeds
• Also known as: Ajicito and Ají Gustoso
• Flavor: Aromatic and generally mild; heat can vary between plants and individual fruits
• Uses: Sofrito, seasoning blends, sauces, stews, rice dishes, marinades, and roasting

Starting Seeds

Sow indoors in a moist, sterile seed-starting mix before your local planting season. Provide steady warmth and bright light. Keep the mix evenly moist but not waterlogged. Germination time varies with temperature, moisture, and seed-starting conditions; bottom warmth may help where indoor conditions are cool.

Transplanting and Care

Move seedlings outdoors after frost danger has passed and conditions are warm. Harden them off gradually by increasing their exposure to outdoor sun and wind over several days. Plant in a sunny location with fertile, well-drained soil, leaving room for airflow and mature growth.

Ají Dulce can also be grown in a container with adequate drainage and room for root development. Water deeply when the upper soil begins to dry and feed according to the directions on a balanced fertilizer. Growth and fruit production vary with temperature, light, soil, and care.

Harvest and Handling

Cut peppers from the plant with clean scissors or pruners at the color and flavor stage you prefer. Although Ají Dulce is generally selected for mild flavor, occasional fruits may be hotter than expected. Wear gloves when handling peppers and avoid touching your eyes or face.

Choose from packages of 10, 30, 100, or 1,000 seeds.