Aji Panca (Capsicum baccatum) 2L Pot

Aji Panca is a Peruvian chilli variety grown for its dark red to burgundy fruit and mild, fruity flavour.

The plant develops a branching habit with green foliage and produces elongated peppers. The fruit begins green before ripening to deep red, burgundy or reddish brown.

Aji Panca is valued more for flavour than intense heat. The mature peppers have sweet, fruity and lightly smoky characteristics and are commonly dried or processed into a paste.

It is widely used in Peruvian cooking, including sauces, marinades, stews and anticucho-style preparations.

In the UK, Aji Panca grows best in a greenhouse or polytunnel because it requires a long, warm season for the fruit to develop its mature colour.

Plant Details

Botanical name: Capsicum sp. ‘Aji Panca’
Common names: Aji Panca, Peruvian Red Pepper, Aji Brown
Plant family: Solanaceae
Habit: Branching annual or tender perennial
Potential height: Approximately 1–1.5 metres under suitable conditions
Foliage: Green, pointed leaves
Flowers: Small pale flowers
Fruit: Elongated peppers ripening from green to dark red or burgundy
Flavour: Fruity, lightly smoky and mildly spicy
Heat level: Mild
Position: Full sun
Suitable for: Greenhouses, polytunnels and large containers
Hardiness: Tender and not frost hardy

Growing Advice

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

Keep the compost evenly moist during active growth, but do not leave the pot standing in water. Avoid repeated wilting while the plant is flowering or developing fruit.

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

The branching stems may require support as the fruit develops.

Plants can be moved outside during settled warm weather but are more likely to ripen fruit successfully under glass.

Aji Panca may be overwintered in a bright, frost-free position.

Fruiting in the UK

Aji Panca can produce fruit in the UK, although the peppers require a long season to develop their mature burgundy colour and full flavour.

Greenhouse or polytunnel cultivation is recommended. Fruit intended for drying or making paste should be allowed to ripen as fully as possible.

What You Will Receive

You will receive one Aji Panca 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. Fruit colour and flavour will vary according to ripeness and growing conditions.

Important Information

Aji Panca is listed under both Capsicum baccatum and Capsicum chinense by different horticultural and seed-trade sources. Capsicum sp. is used here because the precise classification of this seed line has not been independently verified.

Although generally mild, the heat of individual peppers can vary. Wear gloves when preparing the fruit and wash your hands after handling.