Aji Rico Pepper

Aji Rico is an F1 hot pepper from *Capsicum baccatum*, selected for early production and narrow, crisp fruit with a citrus note. Green peppers reach usable size before ripening red, giving gardeners a choice of harvest stage and a medium level of heat. ## Site and Growth Give this vigorous, indeterminate plant full sun and room to spread. PanAmerican Seed lists mature height of 30–36 inches and width of 36–48 inches; a sturdy support helps manage the large plant and its crop. It is best grown in the ground and flowers in summer. ## Fruit and Use The thin-walled, conical peppers are about 3–4 inches long and 1¼–1¾ inches wide. Pick them green or wait for red color; the breeder recommends fresh or cooked use, while All-America Selections also notes salsa, hot sauce, and drying. The plant was recognized as an AAS edible winner. ## Maintenance Plant after frost danger has passed in fertile, well-drained soil. Water deeply and keep soil moisture reasonably even as flowers and fruit develop. Stake the large plant before its branches become heavily loaded. [PanAmerican Seed’s Aji Rico profile](https://www.panamseed.com/Products/048300001036967/pepper-aji-rico/) documents selection traits and dimensions; [All-America Selections](https://all-americaselections.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/AAS-Winner-data-sign-5-x-7-V-Pepper-Aji-Rico-2017.pdf) describes its early harvest and culinary uses. General pepper care is summarized by [Utah State University Extension](https://extension.usu.edu/yardandgarden/research/peppers-in-the-garden).