Aji Cristal is a Chilean heirloom pepper that delivers a striking combination of citrusy warmth and genuine heat in a slender, 4-inch fruit. This Capsicum baccatum variety grows 36 to 48 inches tall and reaches harvest in 90 days, producing peppers that shift from green through yellow to pale red as they mature, with the intensity building at each stage. At roughly 30,000 Scoville Heat Units, it runs about six times hotter than a jalapeño, though harvesting early lets you dial back the fire. The crispy flesh and complex flavor make it a serious option for anyone seeking both depth and punch from a single plant.
Full Sun
Moderate
9-11
48in H x ?in W
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High
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This Chilean aji delivers a rare combination of bright citrus notes layered beneath genuine heat, with flesh so crisp it almost snaps between your teeth. The color progression from green to yellow to pale red isn't just beautiful; it's a timer for flavor intensity, letting you harvest at your preferred heat level. At 30,000 Scoville Heat Units, it occupies that sweet spot where heat enhances rather than masks the fruit's underlying character.
Aji Cristal works beautifully in fresh salsas, where its citrus notes cut through other ingredients, and in cooked sauces where the heat can be built gradually by leaving peppers to mature longer. The crispy texture holds up well to roasting, and the slender 4-inch size makes it practical for stuffing or slicing into dishes where you want concentrated flavor rather than bulk. Its heat profile and flavor complexity also make it valuable for hot sauces and preserves.
No timeline data available yet for this variety.
Start seeds indoors 6 to 8 weeks before your last spring frost. Pepper seeds germinate slowly and prefer warm soil between 75 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit; use a heat mat if your indoor space runs cool. Keep soil moist but not soggy, and provide bright light once sprouts emerge.
Harden off seedlings gradually over 7 to 10 days before planting outdoors. Transplant after all danger of frost has passed and soil temperature is consistently above 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Space plants 14 inches apart in their final location. Peppers are sensitive to cold and transplant shock, so handle seedlings gently and avoid planting into overly wet soil.
Aji Cristal peppers begin green and shift through yellow before reaching pale red as they fully mature. For milder heat and crispier texture, harvest peppers while they're still green or yellow. Allow peppers to reach their pale red stage if you prefer maximum heat and deeper flavor development. Mature peppers at around 90 days from transplant; use sharp scissors or pruners to avoid damaging branches when cutting fruit, and leave at least an inch of stem attached to the plant.
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“Aji Cristal traces its roots to Chile, where it has been grown for generations as part of the country's rich aji pepper heritage. The variety carries the direct connection to Ligia Parisi, who maintains the strain at her farm in Chile and has shared it with seed savers internationally. Its preservation and distribution through heirloom seed networks reflects the work of gardeners like Parisi who keep these regionally important peppers alive and available to home growers worldwide.”