Whole Aji Cristal Hot Peppers next to a white bowl of hot pepper slices on a white background.
Hot Pepper Seeds, Aji Cristal
Aji Cristal Peppers in varying colors in gardeners hand.
Aji Cristal Peppers on large leaf.
Whole Aji Cristal Hot Peppers next to a white bowl of hot pepper slices on a white background.
Hot Pepper Seeds, Aji Cristal
Aji Cristal Peppers in varying colors in gardeners hand.
Aji Cristal Peppers on large leaf.

Hot Pepper Seeds,
Aji Cristal

4.77 ReviewsSKU: #HPP123
Price
Regular price $3.00
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Min. 10 seeds

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Description

(Capsicum baccatum) 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 Cristal 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.

Growing Tips: Aji Cristal is a Chilean heirloom pepper that reaches about 3-4 feet tall. The peppers appreciate a bit of afternoon shade during the hottest summer weather and thrive in rich, well-draining soil. As pepper seeds can be a bit challenging to germinate, you can use a heat mat to help warm the soil and speed up germination.

Plant Details

Botanical Name
Capsicum baccatum
Life Cycle
Annual
Sun Requirement
8–12 hr.
Days to Germinate
7–10
Days to Maturity
90
Planting Depth
¼ in.
Plant Spacing
14–18 in.
Ideal Temperature
70–95°F
Frost Hardy
No

Growing Guide

When to Grow

Aji Cristal seeds should be started indoors 8-12 weeks before the last frost date. Once outdoor temperatures remain above 65 F, transplant them into the garden. In regions with shorter summers, growing in pots or using season-extending techniques can help maximize yield​. If you’re not sure how to find your first and last frost dates or USDA Zone, consult our blog post 'Our Experts Answer Questions, Share Resources.'

How to Sow and Plant

Sow seeds about 1/4 inch deep in warm, moist soil. The germination takes 7-10 days at temperatures around 80-85 F. When seedlings are ready, transplant them to garden beds or containers, spacing them about 14-18 inches apart for good airflow.

How to Grow

Aji Cristal plants require regular watering, but overwatering should be avoided to prevent root rot. Fertilize every 4-6 weeks with a balanced fertilizer. As they grow, these plants may need staking to support their tall, productive stems. Heavy mulching helps retain soil moisture and regulates temperature, especially in warmer climates​.

How to Save Seeds

  • Peppers are mainly self-pollinating, but bees occasionally work pepper flowers as well.
  • To be absolutely sure that you will not have any crossing, different varieties should be isolated by at least 500 feet.
  • To save seed, allow the fruit to mature fully; then simply remove seeds.
  • It is a good idea to wear gloves when working with very hot peppers, and to consider wearing a mask when working with a large quantity of dried seeds.
  • Let seeds dry for a week before storing them in a jar.
  • Pepper seeds will remain viable for up to 5 years.

FAQ

When is best to harvest Aji Cristal peppers?

While Aji Cristal peppers can be harvested at different stages, their flavor is most pronounced at the pale orange stage, offering a balance of sweetness and heat. However, for maximum spiciness, wait until they turn fully red.

Can I grow Aji Cristal peppers in containers?

Yes, they adapt well to containers, ideally at least 20 inches deep, with heavy mulching to retain moisture.

How do Aji Cristal peppers taste?

They have a bright, citrusy flavor with moderate heat, making them excellent for salsas, hot sauces, or as fresh additions to dishes.

Browse our full range of pepper seeds.

Customer reviews

4.7 / 5 7 Reviews

What gardeners are saying

  • Fresh, fruity flavor: Sweet, citrusy flavor with mild to medium heat; great in sauces.

  • Heavy producer: Plants loaded with fleshy chilies; 10 pounds off six plants.

  • Tall, bushy plants: Grows 3 to 3.5 feet tall and bushy.

  • Grows anywhere: Produced from zone 4 greenhouses to Gulf Coast summers.

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