Description
AAS WINNER DETAILS
Winner Type: National
Class: Pepper
Variety Name: Aji Rico F1
Genus: Capsicum
Species: baccatum
Year: 2017
Common Name: Pepper
Type: Edible – Vegetable
Breeder: PanAmerican Seed
Close Market Comparison: Aji Cristal, Mayan
PLANT NEEDS
Duration Type: Annual
Light Needs: Full sun
Water Needs: Normal
Season Type: Warm season
Staking Required: No
PLANT CHARACTERISTICS
Foliage Color: Green
Plant Habit: Bushy
Plant Height: 30-36 inches
Fruit Color (Harvest): Red
Fruit Shape: Narrow, conical
Fruit Size: 3-4 inches by 1.25-1.75 inches
Fruit Weight: 1.4-1.7 ounces
Fruit Flavor Description: Crispy and thin-walled with a warm level of heat. Perfect eaten fresh or cooked at mature green or ripe red stage.
Number Of Fruits Per Plant: 50-75
IN THE GARDEN
Container: No
Garden Spacing: 2 – 3 feet
Days To Harvest (Sowing Seed): Not recommended
Days To Harvest (Transplant): 50-55 mature green; 70-75 ripe red
Plant Spread: 36-48 inches
HOW TO GROW
Sow in flats or plug tray at least 6-7 weeks before the target date for transplanting outside, temperatures above 70°F are preferred for germination. Transplant into larger plug tray, cell pack or small pot (3-4″) approximately 3-4 weeks after sowing or when at least one true leaf has developed. Maintain medium soil moisture and use a complete fertilizer after transplant. Wait to transplant outdoors until night temperatures are over 45°F and there is no threat of frost, as cold temperatures will cause severe damage. Transplant outdoors in full sun at least 2-3 ft apart, plants require staking. Water and feed with complete fertilizer regularly.
Dave Hames –
Aji Rico is a productive and tasty pepper in my garden. It is the first of the baccatum peppers I grow to ripen. The peppers are crispy and sweet with a medium heat level, and great for using fresh, cooking or turning into hot sauce.