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Hot pepper 'Aji Lemon Drop'

Name: Hot pepper 'Aji Lemon Drop'
Brand: Ferme alternative Les Gardiens
SKU: GARD-SEMENCES
Price: 6.99 CAD
Availability: InStock

Common name Aji Lemon Drop Pepper

Latin name Capsicum baccatum

Quantity per packet About 10 seeds

This variety combines an intense lemon flavor with vigorous growth and outstanding productivity. Its abundant bright yellow fruits illuminate the garden throughout the growing season.

Product information

Product
identification

Common nameAji Lemon Drop Pepper

Latin nameCapsicum baccatum

FamilySolanaceae

TypeHot Pepper

CycleAnnual in Canada

Quantity per packAbout 10 seeds

Code produitFEGAR-0001

Product
description

Aji Lemon Drop Hot Pepper (Capsicum baccatum), also known as Aji Limon, is an iconic variety from the Andes, especially appreciated in Peru and Bolivia. Its lemon-yellow fruits bring bright, vivid color to vegetable gardens, large containers, and summer harvests. Their unique flavor recalls lemon, with a tangy, slightly sweet, and refreshing note. The vigorous, highly productive plant can reach 1.5 to 2 m (5 to 6.5 ft) tall and produces abundantly throughout the season. With heat of 30,000 to 50,000 SHU, it offers strong intensity without hiding its citrus aroma.

Aji Lemon Drop Hot Pepper grows best in full sun, in rich, fertile, well-drained soil with regular watering and no excess moisture. Start seeds indoors 8 to 10 weeks before the last frost, at a warm temperature of 25 to 30°C (77 to 86°F); germination usually takes 10 to 20 days. Once plants have 4 to 6 true leaves, transplant them into larger pots before gradually hardening them off outdoors. After all risk of frost has passed, plant them in the garden, spacing plants 50 to 60 cm (20 to 24 in) apart. Compost and mulch help conserve moisture.

In the garden, Aji Lemon Drop Hot Pepper is ideal for collector vegetable gardens, warm areas, large containers, and decorative edible landscapes where a tall, productive, aromatic variety is desired. It grows well alongside tomatoes, basil, and cilantro, while benefiting from being kept away from fennel and beets. Its flowers may attract pollinators, while its yellow fruits are excellent in hot sauces, salsas, marinades, fish dishes, poultry, and fresh South American-inspired recipes. Aji Lemon Drop is perfect for gardeners looking for a hot, citrusy, highly productive pepper.

Sowing
guide

Sowing periodStart indoors in early March

Best time

Early March indoors; transplant after the last frost

Sowing depth0.5 cm (1/4 in)

Germination temperature25 to 30°C (77 to 86°F)

Germination time10 to 20 days

Propagation

Aji Lemon Drop Pepper is propagated primarily from seed. Seeds collected from fully mature fruits can be dried and stored for future sowings.

Growing
method

Start seeds indoors approximately 8 to 10 weeks before the last expected frost, usually in early March in Canada. Sow seeds in a light, moist, well-drained growing mix while maintaining temperatures between 25 and 30°C (77 to 86°F). Once seedlings emerge, provide strong light to encourage compact, vigorous plants. Transplant seedlings into individual pots after they develop 4 to 6 true leaves. Gradually harden plants off before transplanting outdoors. Grow in rich, fertile, well-drained soil enriched with compost and apply organic mulch after planting.

Soil
and care

ExposureFull sun in a warm, sheltered location. At least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight are essential for excellent production.

Soil

Rich, fertile, loose, well-drained soil enriched with compost before planting. Maintain consistent moisture without overwatering.

Soil pHSlightly acidic to neutral

Watering

Water regularly without waterlogging the soil. Maintain consistent moisture while allowing the surface to dry slightly between waterings.

Fertilization

Incorporate mature compost before planting. Apply a balanced fertilizer during vegetative growth, then switch to one slightly higher in potassium during fruit production. Container-grown plants benefit from regular feeding.

Care levelEasy

Start seeds indoors under warm conditions in spring for reliable germination. Transplant seedlings after several true leaves develop and gradually harden them off before planting outdoors. During summer, water regularly without overwatering, fertilize every two to three weeks, maintain organic mulch, and stake plants as needed. Harvest ripe fruits frequently to extend production until the first frost.

Container
growing

Recommended pot size

Minimum 10 to 15 L (2.5 to 4 gal)

Aji Lemon Drop Pepper grows exceptionally well in large containers thanks to its vigorous growth and outstanding productivity. Use a container of at least 10 to 15 L (2.5 to 4 gal) with excellent drainage and fill it with a rich vegetable growing mix. Place the plant where it receives at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. Regular watering without overwatering, mulch, and balanced fertilization every two to three weeks encourage abundant harvests. A stake is recommended to support the long, fruit-laden stems.

Bloom,
harvest
and garden

Aji Lemon Drop is one of the most popular citrus-flavored peppers thanks to its refreshing taste, exceptional productivity, and long harvest season. It brings vibrant color to both the garden and the kitchen.

This variety combines an intense lemon flavor with vigorous growth and outstanding productivity. Its abundant bright yellow fruits illuminate the garden throughout the growing season.

Garden use

Ideal for collector gardens, large containers, patios, warm locations, and decorative edible landscapes where its abundant lemon-yellow fruits provide exceptional color, fragrance, and productivity throughout the season.

Bloom period

Small white flowers bloom throughout summer and attract numerous beneficial pollinators.

Flower colorWhite

Foliage colorMedium green

Harvest

Harvest fruits once they become uniformly lemon yellow and fully developed. Frequent harvesting encourages continuous production.

Fruiting

Long lemon-yellow fruits at maturity with an intense citrus aroma and slight acidity.

Wildlife appealBees and Pollinators

Size
and facts

Height1.5 to 2 m (5 to 6.5 ft)

Spread50 to 60 cm (20 to 24 in)

Growth rateFast

Minimum temperature10°C (50°F)

Foliage typeDeciduous

Papillonstrue

Planting
partners

Good companions

Tomato, Basil, Cilantro

Avoid planting with

Fennel, Beet

Recipe
and inspiration

Aji Lemon Drop Pepper is excellent in hot sauces, salsas, marinades, fish dishes, poultry, ceviche, South American recipes, and vinaigrettes. Its bright citrus flavor, light acidity, and subtle sweetness bring exceptional freshness to many dishes. The fruits can also be dried and ground into powder or fermented into flavorful hot sauces. Their citrus aroma remains remarkably intense even after cooking.

Frequently asked questions

When should I sow Aji Lemon Drop Pepper in Canada? +

Start seeds about 8 to 10 weeks before the last expected frost, usually in early March. Temperatures between 25 and 30°C (77 to 86°F) promote fast, uniform germination. Wait until all danger of frost has passed before planting outdoors.

How hot is Aji Lemon Drop Pepper? +

Aji Lemon Drop typically measures between 30,000 and 50,000 SHU. Its heat is noticeable while remaining balanced by its intense citrus flavor.

Why is this variety called Lemon Drop? +

It gets its name from its remarkable fresh lemon flavor. Its citrus aroma remains pronounced in both fresh and cooked recipes.

Is Aji Lemon Drop suitable for large containers? +

Yes. Its vigorous growth makes it perfectly suited to 10 to 15 L (2.5 to 4 gal) containers placed in a warm, sunny location. A stake helps support the many productive branches.

When should I harvest the fruits? +

Harvest fruits once they become uniformly lemon yellow and fully developed. Frequent harvesting encourages continuous production until the first frost.

The availability of our seeds varies depending on seasonal availability, production schedules and supplier inventory. Certain varieties may only be offered for a limited time based on their natural growth cycle, sowing period or available stock. These product pages are designed to help and inspire gardeners in choosing the right seeds for vegetable gardens, flower beds, pollinator gardens, container growing, naturalization projects and sustainable outdoor spaces.