Aji Cito

Pepper

85d to harvest

Aji Cito arrives with a bright, lively heat that blooms quickly—fruity and tangy at first, then warming into a clean, lingering sting. The peppers mature to a vivid, lantern-like color and hang in graceful clusters, with a thin, supple wall that’s crisp-fresh and richly aromatic when dried or used for bold flavoring. Ideal for gardeners who love specialty shapes, Aji Cito shines in salsas and sauces, and it also makes a standout pickling pepper for adding vivid heat and character.

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Dec 22nd
Last Frost	Feb 9th
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Apr 6th
Harvest Begins	Jun 30th
Harvest Ends	Dec 9th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	85
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

Recommended Companions

Lime Thai Basil

Red Gem Marigold

Red Baron Onion

Variegated Basil Basil

Yellow Spanish Onion

Taishan Yellow Marigold

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I water aji cito during the main growing phase, and what soil moisture level is ideal?

During active flowering and fruit set, keep the root zone consistently evenly moist—about 1–2 inches (2.5–5 cm) of water per week depending on heat and soil—without letting it stay soggy. Let the top 1 inch (2.5 cm) of soil dry slightly between waterings, then water deeply so moisture reaches the full pot/bed depth. Irregular watering is a common trigger for blossom-end issues and stunted fruiting in peppers.

How do I know when my aji cito (Capsicum baccatum) is ready to harvest?

Harvest when the pods reach the expected size (about 85 days from transplant) and the skin fully changes from green to its mature color, with a firm pod that feels crisp rather than soft. If you want heat and flavor, pick at full maturity rather than early green; fully ripened Capsicum baccatum pods typically have the strongest aroma. Use scissors or snips to avoid tearing the plant.