Aji amarillo
Capsicum baccatum
Also known asYellow chile · Peruvian yellow pepper · Aji escabeche (dried form) · Kellu uchu
Environment
The bounded range this crop tolerates. Strict on light; outside the DLI band, yields drop sharply.
Climate and zones
- USDA zones
- 9–13 (winter low around -7°C)
- Frost
- frost sensitive (dies at first frost)
- Season
- warm (summer, frost-sensitive)
Growing systems
Root mass: moderate.
Growing media
| Medium | pH effect | Retention | Bacterial surface |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expanded clay pebbles (LECA) | neutral / inert | low | high |
| Coco coir (Coconut coir) | slightly acidic | high | moderate |
| Perlite (Expanded volcanic glass) | neutral / inert | very low | low |
| Rockwool (Mineral wool) | alkaline until pre-soaked | very high | low |
| Soil-based mix (Potting soil) | varies | high | high |
Nutrient demand by stage
NPK ratios are relative weights. EC targets shift through the plant's life.
| Stage | N | P | K | EC (mS/cm) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| seedling | 2 | 1 | 1 | 1.2 |
| vegetative | 3 | 1 | 2 | 1.8 |
| flowering | 1 | 2 | 3 | 2.2 |
| fruiting | 1 | 2 | 3 | 2.4 |
Companion-growing notes
- Heavy uptake of potassium, calcium. Co-grown crops with the same demand will end up deficient even at "correct" EC.
Aquaponics suitability
Compatible
Fish waste provides enough nitrogen for healthy growth. Supplemental potassium, calcium, and iron may still be needed depending on fish stocking density.
Care notes
Suited to warm, long-season hydroponic growing. Hold EC around 1.8-2.6 mS/cm and pH near 5.8-6.5. Daytime temperatures of about 21–30°C suit it, since the baccatum group likes more warmth than common C. annuum types. Give it full sun or strong supplemental light, on the order of 20-30 mol/m2/day. The plants get large and benefit from staking or a cage. Ripening runs long, roughly 90 to 120 days from transplant, toward the upper end in cooler conditions. Keep calcium steady to head off blossom end rot, and lift potassium during fruiting for fuller flavour and heat. Pick the pods once they colour fully orange. Aphids and whiteflies are the usual pests. Because of the plant size and season length, it fits a greenhouse better than a countertop unit. Spare fruit can be blended into the classic aji amarillo paste, frozen, or dried for storage.