Aji cachucha is a mild, aromatic 'sweet chili' from the Caribbean, essential in sofrito, with the flavor of a habanero but almost no heat. (Capsicum chinense)
Shop this plant: Sweet Chili Pepper (Aji Cachucha, Seasoning) Plant 12+ Inch
Quick Care Summary
- Sun: Full sun to light afternoon shade, at least 6 hours.
- Soil: Rich, well-drained soil amended with compost, or quality potting mix in containers.
- Watering: Keep soil evenly moist; water when the top inch is dry.
Sun
Full sun to light afternoon shade, at least 6 hours.
Soil
Rich, well-drained soil amended with compost, or quality potting mix in containers.
Watering
Keep soil evenly moist; water when the top inch is dry. Consistent moisture prevents blossom drop.
Fertilizer Schedule for South Florida
Feed every 3-4 weeks with a balanced vegetable fertilizer, or add slow-release fertilizer every 3 months. Too much nitrogen gives leaves instead of peppers.
Pruning
Pinch the growing tip when plants are 8-10 inches tall for bushier growth. Cut back leggy plants by a third to rejuvenate them.
Cold Protection
Damaged below about 40°F and killed by frost. Cover or move containers indoors on cold nights.
Container vs. In-Ground
Thrives in a 3-5 gallon container, making it perfect for patios.
Spacing
Space plants 18-24 inches apart.
Flowering and Fruiting Timeline
Begins fruiting 2-3 months after planting and can produce for a year or more in South Florida's mild climate.
Harvest
Pick peppers green or when they turn red, orange or yellow; ripe peppers are sweeter. Cut with scissors to avoid breaking branches.
Common Pests and Diseases
Start with organic, low-impact fixes: good airflow, clean-up of fallen fruit and leaves, and soaps or oils before anything stronger. Always follow label directions.
Aphids and whiteflies
How to identify: Clusters of small soft insects on new growth; curled, sticky leaves.
Organic-first treatment: Blast off with a strong water spray, then use insecticidal soap or neem oil; encourage ladybugs and lacewings.
Pepper weevil
How to identify: Small holes in peppers, fruit dropping early.
Organic-first treatment: Pick up dropped fruit daily and remove infested peppers.
Spider mites
How to identify: Fine stippling and bronzing on leaves, tiny webbing in dry weather.
Organic-first treatment: Hose leaf undersides regularly; spray insecticidal soap or horticultural oil.
Caterpillars
How to identify: Chewed leaves and new shoots.
Organic-first treatment: Hand-pick, or spray Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis), an organic, caterpillar-specific treatment.
FAQ
Is aji cachucha spicy? Very mild. It has habanero-like aroma with little to no heat.
Is it a perennial? Yes, in South Florida it can produce for several seasons if protected from cold.
Related Reading
- What Fruit Trees to Plant Now in Florida This Fall and Winter
- Why Too Much Fertilizer Can Hurt Your Fruit Tree More Than None
- Cold-Hardy Fruit Trees for Florida Freezes (and How to Protect Tender Ones)
Ready to grow your own? Get the Sweet Chili Pepper (Aji Cachucha) here.
