Aji Rico Hot Pepper - This is a new pepper that was released in 2017 by the Pan American Seed Company. It ripens faster than most hot peppers for its size making it an excellent choice for short season gardens.
hard to reproduce, this one seems stable enough from year 1 and even received the prestigious American Award Selections. Plants reach 40-48" in height, the fruit is 4-6" long and has a Scoville rating of 5,000 but can be a little higher. The flavor profile is citrusy and sweet.
Our farm grown seed is on the 5th year and is relatively stable. We will also offer seed from High Mowing Organics for purchase in December 2026
Characteristics:
- Non-GMO, F1 Hybrid but is stable.
- 4-6" Long Fruits, broadshoulders and slight taper to the base.
- 85 days
- 10 Seeds
Instructions - Peppers prefer light, well-drained, moderately fertile soil with pH 6.5-6.8. Use a high phosphorus starter fertilizer when transplanting to give young peppers a good start. Keep nitrogen levels in moderation, as high amounts can reduce yields. Start transplants 6-8 weeks before the planting date. Sow seeds into flat ~4 seeds/inch and then pot up into 2” or larger cells after the first set of true leaves appear. The optimal soil temperature for germination is 85°F. For growing transplants, maintain the temperature at around 75°F during the day and 65°F at night. Harden off plants by slightly reducing the temperature to 60-65°F and reducing water for 2-3 days before transplanting.
- Plant 1/4" deep
- Plant Spacing: 12-18"
- Row Spacing: 18-36" or double rows 18" apart on 5-6' centers
Harvest & Storage - Harvest first peppers promptly to stimulate further fruit production. Peppers can be harvested and eaten at either the unripe (green) or ripe (colored) stage. Colored peppers generally require 2 – 4 weeks longer. Store peppers at 50° - 54°F and 95% percent relative humidity. Chilling injury occurs at temperatures below 45°F.
Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute seed vendors from time to time because of the availability
