Aji Rojo

Pepper

Zone 4b Save Garden

🌱 80d to harvest Bush

Sun-warmed and vividly alive, Aji Rojo brings a satin glow of ripe red peppers that feel almost luminous against the foliage. Exp…

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Mar 25th
Last Frost	May 13th
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Jul 8th
Harvest Begins	Sep 26th
Harvest Ends	Sep 27th

Crop Details

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

Recommended Companions

Green Pearl Parsley

Rutgers Devotion Basil

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the most common disease or pest problem for Capsicum baccatum (Aji Rojo) and how do I fix it?

A common issue is aphids and whiteflies, which weaken plants and can lead to virus spread in Solanaceae. Check the undersides of leaves weekly and spray with insecticidal soap, repeating every 5–7 days for 2–3 rounds if you still see insects. If you spot leaf yellowing/mosaic patterns, remove heavily affected plants promptly to reduce virus spread.

How often should I water Aji Rojo during the main growing phase (after transplanting)?

Water deeply so the root zone stays evenly moist, but don’t keep the soil soggy—Capsicum baccatum performs best with the top 1 inch drying slightly between waterings. In warm full-sun conditions, that often means watering about 2–3 times per week, adjusting for your soil’s drainage (faster-draining soils need more frequent watering). Mulch around plants to help keep moisture steady through flowering and fruit set.

How can I tell when Aji Rojo is ready to harvest?

Harvest when fruits fully size up and turn their mature red color (typically around 80 days from sowing), and the skin looks glossy and firm. Fruits should detach easily with a gentle twist; if they’re still soft or pale/orange, leave them on the plant a bit longer. For peak flavor and heat, wait until most fruits on the plant reach red maturity before doing your final harvest.

Sun-warmed and vividly alive, Aji Rojo brings a satin glow of ripe red peppers that feel almost luminous against the foliage. Expect a pleasantly sweet, fruity flavor with a gentle, lingering warmth—fragrant and bright rather than harsh—plus a crisp, juicy texture that holds its shape beautifully. Grow Aji Rojo for fresh snacking, vibrant sauces, and colorful pickling, where its bold red character shines from garden to jar.

Sowing Tips

Transplant Conditions

Wait until soil reaches 60°F and nights stay above 50°F before moving outdoors. Harden off for 10 days first.

Expert Note

Start indoors early, keep seedlings warm until nights are reliably above 50°F, and transplant only into soil that feels warm (60°F+) for steady growth and best fruit set.