New England Garden Log

Aji Charapita

2 min read

~10 seeds

Description

The Aji Charapita is a stunning and one-of-a-kind pepper that every gardener should grow. Known as the “gold of the jungle,” this tiny gem once held the title of the most expensive pepper in the world!

Native to the lush jungles of northern Peru, this wild and bushy plant produces an impressive bounty of small, vibrant Tepin-like peppers—each only about 0.25 inches in size. Recently cultivated for commercial use, the Aji Charapita is prized for its tropical, fruity flavor that adds a unique twist to salsas, sauces, and more.

Don’t let its size fool you! This little chili delivers a quick, intense burst of heat that surprises and delights, subsiding just as quickly to leave you craving another. With hundreds of these fiery fruits growing on each wide, bushy plant, you’ll have plenty to enjoy all season long.

Add some exotic charm to your garden and elevate your culinary creations with the unforgettable Aji Charapita!  50,000-100,000 Scoville Heat Units – Very Hot

Variety info

Days to Maturity: 70-85 days from transplanting

Family: Solanaceae

Scientific name: Capsicum chinense

Native: Peru

Hardiness: Frost-sensitive perennial grown as an annual

Exposure: Full sun

Plant Dimensions 1’-3’ tall

Variety Info: Looks to be dime size. ~0.25 inches. Site claims to be fruity and citrusy

Attributes: Frost Sensitive, Good for Containers

Sowing Info

When to Sow Outside: For Mild Climates only: 2 to 4 weeks after average last frost, when soil temperature is at least 70°F.

When to Start Inside: RECOMMENDED. This plant germinates in 7 to 40 days so plant 10 to 12 weeks before transplanting. Ideal soil temperature for germination is 70°–85°F. Transplant seedlings outside 2 to 4 weeks after your average last frost date, and when daytime temperatures are at least 70°F, and nighttime temperatures are at least 55°F. Mild Climates: May be sown in late summer for fall/winter crop.

Days to Emerge: 7-40 days

Seed Depth: 1/2”

Seed Spacing: Start indoors

Row Spacing: 24”–36”

Thinning: Start indoors, plant seedlings 18”–24” apart outside

Growing Info

Bohica Pepper Hut - Pepper Growing Tips

  1. Germination: Peppers need heat and light to germinate. Use mini incubators, sunny window ledges, or heating mats. Try the double cup method: Place a cup with holes inside another, fill with rich soil, water generously, and plant seeds 1/4 inch deep. Cover with plastic wrap for a mini greenhouse effect. Avoid overwatering to prevent seed rot. Germination takes 7 days to 4-6 weeks.
  2. Maintenance: Mist soil as needed and keep seeds warm and/or sunny. Avoid fertilizing at this stage. For incubators, open the lid every 2 days for air circulation. Balance moisture carefully—too wet or too dry can harm sprouts.
  3. Seedlings: When seedlings reach 6-8 leaves or 3-4 inches, transplant to pots with compost. Handle roots gently, compact soil lightly, and water thoroughly. Begin feeding with a low-strength fertilizer and gradually increase as plants grow. Maintain temperature around 80 degrees Fahrenheit for best results.
  4. Transplanting Outside: For outdoor planting, “harden off” plants by gradually exposing them to sunlight over 1-2 weeks, increasing time daily. Start with 30-60 minutes in the sun, recover in the shade, and ensure abundant watering. Fully acclimated plants can handle 8 hours of sun without wilting.
  5. For additional in depth instructions please visit our FAQ page at: https://bohicapepperhut.com/pages/faqs
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Notes

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