Aji Amarillo (Capsicum baccatum) 2L Pot

Aji Amarillo is a Peruvian chilli variety grown for its elongated orange fruit and fruity flavour.

The plant develops a tall, branching habit with green foliage. Its white flowers commonly display greenish or yellow markings, a characteristic associated with Capsicum baccatum.

The peppers develop green before ripening to a deep yellow-orange or orange colour. Despite amarillo meaning yellow in Spanish, the fruit is normally orange when fully mature.

Aji Amarillo has medium-hot heat accompanied by a fruity flavour. It is widely used in Peruvian cooking for sauces, marinades, stews, pastes and dishes such as ají de gallina.

In the UK, Aji Amarillo is best grown in a greenhouse or polytunnel because it requires a long season to ripen fully.

Plant Details

Botanical name: Capsicum baccatum
Common names: Aji Amarillo, Peruvian Yellow Chilli, Aji Escabeche
Plant family: Solanaceae
Habit: Tall, branching annual or tender perennial
Potential height: Approximately 1–1.8 metres under suitable conditions
Foliage: Green, pointed leaves
Flowers: White flowers with greenish or yellow markings
Fruit: Elongated peppers ripening from green to orange
Heat level: Medium-hot
Position: Full sun
Suitable for: Greenhouses, polytunnels and large containers
Hardiness: Tender and not frost hardy

Growing Advice

Grow your Aji Amarillo in fertile, well-draining compost in a warm and bright position. Move the plant into a large container to provide sufficient root space and prevent the mature plant from becoming unstable.

Keep the compost evenly moist throughout active growth. Avoid allowing the plant to wilt repeatedly, particularly while it is flowering or developing fruit.

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

The plant can become tall and widely branched, so stems may require canes or other support.

Aji Amarillo can be moved outside during warm summer weather but performs most reliably under glass in the UK.

Plants can sometimes be overwintered in a bright, frost-free position. Pruning the plant after the growing season may make overwintering easier.

Fruiting in the UK

Aji Amarillo can produce fruit in the UK, but the peppers may take a long time to reach their mature orange colour.

Greenhouse or polytunnel cultivation is recommended for the best chance of fully ripened fruit. Green peppers are usable, but the characteristic flavour becomes more developed as they ripen.

What You Will Receive

You will receive one healthy Aji Amarillo 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. Size and development will vary depending on the time of year.

Important Information

Aji Amarillo peppers are hot. Wear gloves when harvesting, cutting or preparing the fruit.

Avoid touching your eyes or face and wash your hands thoroughly after handling.