Aji Lemon Drop

Pepper

80d to harvest

Bright as a sunlit citrus peel, Aji Lemon Drop produces slender peppers that ripen from creamy pale yellow to a vivid lemon-gold glow. The flavor is tangy and pleasantly piquant with a crisp, juicy bite—ideal for adding vivid heat and citrusy lift to fresh salsas, lively sauces, and quick pickles, or for roasting until the skins blister and deepen the sweetness. Compact plants make it easy to grow at home, and the long harvest window keeps the garden looking radiant through the season.

Crop Dates

Growing note: Frost-free Zone 13b supports continuous outdoor production.

Milestone	Date
Climate	Frost-Free Climate
Growing Approach	Continuous Production

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	80
Sun Requirements	Full Sun
Growth Habit	Upright
Support Needed	Stake
Planting Depth	Normal
Germination Temp (°F)	80
Min Soil Temp (°F)	60
Min Night Temp (°F)	50
Harden Off (days)	10

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are my Aji Lemon Drop plants suddenly wilting with yellowing leaves—could it be Verticillium or Fusarium wilt, and what should I do?

Verticillium/Fusarium wilt often starts with one-sided or lower-leaf yellowing followed by wilting even when the soil isn’t dry. Pull and discard the affected plants (don’t compost), then avoid planting peppers in that spot for several years; fumigating or treating soil at home won’t reliably eliminate these soilborne fungi. In future seasons, use fresh or pasteurized potting mix, keep plants well-spaced for airflow, and water at the soil line to reduce stress that worsens wilt.

How often should I water Aji Lemon Drop during the main growing phase (after it’s established and flowering)?

During flowering and fruit set, keep the soil evenly moist but not soggy—typically watering about 1–2 times per week, with more frequent watering for containers. Check moisture 1–2 inches deep; water when that depth feels dry to the touch, then water thoroughly until excess drains. Inconsistent moisture can trigger blossom drop and cause uneven fruit size.

How can I tell when Aji Lemon Drop chilies are ready to harvest?

Harvest when pods are firm and fully colored (typically bright yellow to orange-yellow) and have reached full size; the 80-day timeline is a good guide from transplanting. If you taste one, it should have a clear “lemon drop” flavor—sweetish upfront with noticeable heat—rather than being pale and watery. Leaving pods too long can lead to wrinkling and slower new fruit set.