Pepper Hot, Aji Cristal

90 days. A Chilean aji pepper with a bodacious blend of citrusy flavor and heat. This slender, 4-inch pepper transforms from green to yellow and finally a pale red, and the heat intensifies as the fruit reaches maturity. This crispy fleshed pepper clocks in at about 30,000 Scoville Heat Units, which is six times hotter than a jalapeño. If you prefer your peppers on the milder side, harvest them when green. Our friend Ligia Parisi, who grows Aji Crystal at her farm in Chile, describes using them to create a delicious salsa called Pebre, which is similar to Pico de Gallo. This is an all-around versatile pepper that can be used fresh, for pickling, hot sauce, salsas, soups and dried and kept longer for seasoning.

• • 8-12 hours of Sun
  • Sprouts in 7-10 Days
  • Ideal Temperature: 70-95 Degrees F
  • Seed Depth: 1/4"
  • Plant Spacing: 14-18"
  • Frost Hardy: No
  • Capsicum baccatum
    

Growing Tips: Start indoors in bright light 8-12 weeks before last frost date. Heat mat helps to warm soil and speed germination. Peppers often appreciate a bit of afternoon shade during the hottest summer weather.