How to Grow Aji Amarillo: A Complete Guide for 2025

 

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If you’ve ever tasted authentic Peruvian or South American cuisine, you’ve likely encountered Aji Amarillo, a bright, aromatic chili pepper that adds a unique flavor and spice to dishes like ceviche, sauces, and salsas. 

Known for its distinctive yellow-orange color and fruity, slightly tangy flavor, Aji Amarillo has become increasingly popular in kitchens around the world. 

However, growing this wonderful pepper at home can be a rewarding experience, especially if you're a fan of homegrown spice and want to explore growing your own unique varieties.

In this complete guide to growing Aji Amarillo peppers in 2025, covering everything from selecting seeds and preparing your soil to proper care, harvesting, and more. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just getting started, this guide will give you all the tools to successfully cultivate these amazing peppers right in your backyard or garden. Amazon Affiliate links.

Let’s dive into the exciting journey of growing Aji Amarillo peppers!

What is Aji Amarillo?

The Aji Amarillo is a hot chili pepper native to the Andes Mountains of South America, particularly Peru. It is one of the most popular peppers used in Peruvian cooking and is considered an essential ingredient in many traditional dishes.

The Aji Amarillo pepper has a distinct bright yellow-orange color when ripe, and it’s known for its medium heat and fruity, tangy flavor. The heat level of Aji Amarillo peppers typically ranges from 30,000 to 50,000 Scoville Heat Units (SHU), placing it in the mid-range of hot peppers, making it a perfect balance for adding spice without overwhelming your dishes.

In Peru, Aji Amarillo is used in salsas, peruvian ceviche, and Aji de Gallina, a creamy chicken stew. The flavor is unique—fruity, tangy, and slightly sweet—adding depth to savory dishes, making it an incredibly versatile pepper to grow and use in the kitchen.

Why Grow Aji Amarillo?


1. Unique Flavor and Aroma

One of the most compelling reasons to grow Aji Amarillo is its unique flavor profile. The fruitiness and heat of the pepper elevate your dishes, adding complexity to everything from salsas and stews to marinades and sauces. Growing your own peppers means you get access to fresh, homegrown spice anytime you need it.

2. Thrives in Warm Conditions

Aji Amarillo peppers are relatively easy to grow in regions with warm weather, making them perfect for gardens in USDA zones 9–11. Even if you live in a cooler region, you can still grow these peppers in containers or greenhouses.

3. Harvest Your Own Fresh Peppers

Growing Aji Amarillo peppers at home means you don’t have to depend on store-bought, often imported varieties. You can enjoy fresh peppers year-round, freeze them for later use, or even preserve them in jars, creating your own homemade Aji Amarillo paste or salsa.

4. Easy to Grow from Seed

Growing Aji Amarillo from seed is relatively straightforward and can be a fun and rewarding project, especially if you enjoy gardening or working with plants. While the peppers require attention, their low-maintenance care once established makes them ideal for beginner gardeners.

Preparing for Planting Aji Amarillo Peppers

1. Selecting the Right Seeds

The first step to growing Aji Amarillo is choosing the right seeds. You’ll want to purchase seeds from a reputable supplier to ensure they’re genuine Aji Amarillo peppers. Look for seeds that are certified organic and free from chemical treatments to ensure that you're growing the healthiest peppers.

Here are some recommended places to buy Aji Amarillo seeds:

Aji Amarillo peppers prefer well-draining, fertile soil that is slightly acidic to neutral, with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.0. Here’s how you can prepare the soil:

  • Mix compost or well-rotted manure into your garden soil to improve fertility.

  • If you have heavy clay soil, amend it with sand or perlite to improve drainage and reduce the risk of waterlogged roots.

  • You can also add some lime to the soil if it’s too acidic or use sulfur to lower the pH if it's too alkaline.

3. Choosing the Right Location

Aji Amarillo peppers love full sun, so be sure to choose a sunny spot in your garden or on your balcony that receives at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day. These peppers thrive in warm climates, so they need plenty of heat to flourish.

How to Grow Aji Amarillo from Seed

Growing Aji Amarillo peppers from seed can be a fun and educational experience. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get started.

1. Start Seeds Indoors

Since Aji Amarillo peppers need a long growing season, it’s best to start the seeds indoors before transplanting them outdoors. Start the seeds about 8–10 weeks before your last expected frost. Here’s how to do it:

  • Fill a seed tray or small pots with a light, well-draining seed-starting mix.

  • Sow the seeds about 1/4 inch deep in the soil.

  • Water gently to keep the soil moist, but not soaked.

  • Keep the seeds in a warm, sunny location or under grow lights. A temperature of 70°F to 85°F (21°C to 29°C) is ideal for germination.

  • After 7–14 days, the seeds should germinate. Once the seedlings emerge, make sure to keep them under plenty of light to prevent them from becoming leggy.

2. Transplanting Outdoors

After the last frost has passed and your seedlings are strong enough, it’s time to transplant them outdoors. You’ll want to harden off the seedlings first by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions for 7–10 days before planting them in your garden.

Here’s how to transplant your seedlings:

  • Space the plants about 18–24 inches apart to allow ample room for growth.

  • Dig a hole slightly larger than the root ball of the seedlings.

  • Gently remove the seedling from its pot and place it in the hole.

  • Fill in around the plant with soil and water thoroughly to help settle the roots.

3. Caring for Your Aji Amarillo Plant

Once planted, Aji Amarillo peppers need a little bit of attention to help them thrive. Here are the main care tips to follow:

Watering

Water the plant deeply and consistently, but make sure the soil has good drainage to prevent root rot. Let the soil dry out slightly between waterings, but don’t let it dry out completely.

Fertilizing

Feed your Aji Amarillo plant with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every 2–3 weeks during the growing season. You can also add organic compost around the base of the plant to improve the soil’s nutrient content. Avoid over-fertilizing, as it can cause excessive leaf growth at the expense of fruit production.

Pruning

Prune the plants to remove any dead or damaged branches and encourage bushier growth. Pinching back the tips of the plant will help it branch out and produce more peppers.

Supporting the Plant

Aji Amarillo plants can grow quite tall and may need staking or a trellis for support. Use a garden stake or tomato cage to keep the plant upright, especially as the peppers start to grow and weigh down the branches.

4. Protecting Your Plants

Pests like aphids, spider mites, and whiteflies can sometimes attack Aji Amarillo plants. To prevent pest infestations, spray your plants with neem oil or insecticidal soap. Be sure to keep an eye on the leaves for any signs of damage or yellowing.

Harvesting and Using Aji Amarillo Peppers

Aji Amarillo peppers typically take about 4–6 months to reach maturity. Here’s how to harvest them:

1. When to Harvest

The peppers are ready to harvest when they turn from green to yellow-orange. The fruit should be firm, with a smooth skin and a bright color. Gently twist or cut the pepper off the vine with scissors or pruning shears.

2. Using Aji Amarillo

Once harvested, Aji Amarillo peppers can be used in a variety of ways. Here are a few options:

  • Fresh: Add the peppers directly to your dishes or make a fresh salsa.

  • Dried: Dry the peppers by hanging them or using a food dehydrator. Once dried, you can grind them into a powder or use them to make your own Aji Amarillo paste.

  • Frozen: Store extra peppers in the freezer for later use.

3. Storing Aji Amarillo Peppers

If you’re not using your peppers immediately, you can store them in a cool, dry place for a few weeks. To preserve the peppers for long-term use, consider drying or freezing them.

Where to Buy Aji Amarillo Seeds

If you’re ready to start growing Aji Amarillo peppers, here are some helpful Amazon affiliate links for seeds:



Growing Aji Amarillo peppers in your garden is an exciting and rewarding experience, especially if you love cooking with fresh, homegrown ingredients. These peppers not only provide vibrant flavor but also add a stunning visual appeal to your garden. With a bit of patience and attention to detail, you can enjoy a steady harvest of Aji Amarillo peppers for years to come.

By following the steps outlined in this guide, you’ll be able to successfully grow Aji Amarillo peppers in 2025 and incorporate this versatile and flavorful chili pepper into your dishes. Whether you're growing for personal use or looking to explore new culinary adventures, Aji Amarillo peppers are an excellent addition to any garden! Happy gardening!

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