The Aji Lemon Drop Pepper is a bright and zesty chili variety known for its distinct citrus flavor that resembles fresh lemon. Native to Peru, it’s highly valued in South American cuisine, adding a tangy kick to meals and snacks. Its popularity has spread worldwide for both culinary and ornamental purposes, making it a versatile addition to any garden.
With a heat level of 15,000 to 30,000 Scoville heat units, the Aji Lemon Drop delivers a manageable spiciness, making it ideal for spicy salsas, citrus-based hot sauces, or as a seasoning to elevate any dish.
The fruits are slender, tapered, and grow 2 to 3 inches long. Starting green, they ripen to a vibrant golden yellow, creating a stunning visual effect in gardens or potted arrangements. The plant also produces delicate white flowers in summer, and when grown indoors, it can bloom year-round.
This upright, highly branched plant can reach over 6 feet tall and is a prolific producer, yielding up to 100 fruits per year. It thrives in sunny conditions, with fruit ripening about 80 days after flowering.
Species: Capsicum Baccatum
Heat level: 15,000–30,000 SHU
Intensity: Medium/Hot
Origin: Peru
Germination: 7–14 days
Sowing: Early March
Seeds per pack: 12