Aji Ahuachapan (Capsicum baccatum) 2L Pot

Aji Ahuachapan is a Capsicum baccatum variety associated with Ahuachapán in El Salvador and grown for its long orange fruit.

The plant develops a tall, branching habit with green foliage. Its pale flowers may display greenish or yellow markings characteristic of many Capsicum baccatum varieties.

The peppers begin green before ripening to orange. They have a sweet and fruity flavour accompanied by mild to medium heat and can be used fresh, dried or added to sauces, salsas and cooked dishes.

In the UK, Aji Ahuachapan grows most reliably in a greenhouse or polytunnel because it requires a long season to mature.

Plant Details

Botanical name: Capsicum baccatum
Common name: Aji Ahuachapan
Plant family: Solanaceae
Habit: Tall, branching annual or tender perennial
Potential height: Approximately 1–1.5 metres under suitable conditions
Foliage: Green, pointed leaves
Flowers: Pale flowers with greenish or yellow markings
Fruit: Long peppers ripening from green to orange
Typical fruit length: Approximately 10–15 cm under suitable conditions
Heat level: Mild to medium-hot
Position: Full sun
Suitable for: Greenhouses, polytunnels and large containers
Hardiness: Tender and not frost hardy

Growing Advice

Grow your Aji Ahuachapan in fertile, well-draining compost in a warm and bright position. Move the plant into a large and stable container as it develops.

Keep the compost evenly moist throughout active growth. Avoid allowing the plant to repeatedly wilt during flowering and fruit development.

Feed with a balanced liquid fertiliser during early growth. Change to a high-potassium tomato feed once flowers or young peppers appear.

The tall, branching stems may require support with canes or ties.

Plants may be moved outside during settled warm weather but generally perform more reliably under glass in the UK.

Aji Ahuachapan may be overwintered in a bright, frost-free position. Established plants may produce an earlier crop the following year.

Fruiting in the UK

Aji Ahuachapan can produce fruit in the UK, but the peppers require time and warmth to reach their mature orange colour.

Greenhouse or polytunnel cultivation provides the most reliable conditions. Green fruit can be used, although the fruity flavour develops further as the peppers ripen.

What You Will Receive

You will receive one Aji Ahuachapan plant growing in a 2-litre pot. Plants are typically dispatched at approximately 20–30 cm tall.

Plants may be supplied before flowering or fruiting. Final plant and fruit size will depend on growing conditions.

Important Information

The heat of the peppers will vary naturally.

Wear gloves when harvesting, cutting or preparing the fruit. Avoid touching your eyes or face and wash your hands after handling.