Aji Panca Chili Seeds

Info: Aji Panca Chili is a Peruvian pepper with large plants up to 1,8 to 2 meters, which produce lots of elongated brown pods.  The variety is often referred to as Aji Brown. Teh fruits measure 10 to 12 cm long and 2 to 3 cm across. They have a thin flesh and are suitable for drying, often the pods already begin to dry on the plant. As they have a very long ripening time, you should seed them in January.

These chillies are mild and a have a rather sweet, berry-like, and slightly smoky flavour. In Peru, they are made into a paste or dried and minced to be used as a condiment. The Aji Panca chili is also great for stews, sauces and fish dishes.

Care: Germination temperature is between 22°C  and 28°C (germination period: 8-20 days); it is therefore recommended to use a greenhouse and a heating mat. The plants need fresh, well-fertilised permeable soil and should not be left in standing water. They should be placed in a sunny, sheltered place with at least 6 hours of sunlight per day, if not more. The earliest time to place the plants outside is 2 to 3 weeks after the last frost. If planting the Lemon Drop chili peppers outdoors, take care leave at least 80cm space between individual plants. They can also be cultivated in plant pots with any problem. The plants are also easy to take care of throughout the winter if they are grown in pots. It might be necessary to cut them back slightly and place them in a light place where it is at least 15°C.

You can find plenty of useful tips for successfully growing chili plants in our Chili Growing Guide and in the Chili Journal.