Aji Mochero Chilli Seeds (30)

20,000–60,000 SHU Heat Level: MEDIUM WA Grown & Organically Fed. The Aji Mochero is a rare, hot Peruvian chili variety (often compared to Lemon Drop or Limón) known for its vibrant yellow-to-orange, citrus-flavored pods, reaching approximately 30,000–50,000+ Scoville units. These plants are compact, bushy (60cm to 1m tall), and highly productive, making them excellent for container gardening. The Aji Mochero is sometimes confused with the Aji Limo or Lemon Drop (Baccatum) due to its similar color and citrus notes, but it is distinct in its Chinense species characteristics. Key Information: Flavor & Heat: Distinctively fruity and citrusy with a solid, sharp burn. Scoville Heat Units (SHU): Approximately 20,000–60,000 SHU. Plant Profile: Compact and bushy, typically growing 60–90 cm, suitable for pots. Appearance: Small, conical pods, often 3-5 cm long, turning from green to bright yellow (or occasionally orange). Origin & Usage: Traditional Peruvian heirloom often used in ceviche, sauces, and seafood dishes. Cultivation: Relatively easy to grow; requires warm conditions (25-30°C for germination) and well-drained soil. Fuit size: 4-6cm long Plant dimension: 60x40cm Sowing and Germination When to Sow: Start seeds indoors from mid-to-late winter (August–October in Australia) to allow for a long growing season. Method: Use seed raising mix in trays, pots, or jiffy pots. Sow seeds 5mm deep. Environment: Keep in a warm, sheltered spot (22-35°C), such as a propagator or sunny windowsill. Germination: Seeds should germinate in 7–21 days. Appearance: The conical pods measure approximately 4–6 cm long and ripen from green to a vibrant yellow. Growth Habit: It typically grows as a compact, bushy plant reaching 60–90 cm in height, though some heirloom strains in open ground can reach over 1 metre. Suitability: Its compact size makes it an excellent choice for pot or container cultivation in limited spaces. Seed-starting Step-by-step guide • Prepare mix: Fill cells with quality seed mix; moisten until damp, not soggy. • Tip: Soak seeds in warm water for 24 hours before planting to improve germination rates. • Sow seeds: Plant ~5 mm deep, 1 per cell (or 2 and thin). Lightly press surface. • Warm & cover: Place trays on a heat mat, cover with dome, keep 25–30°C. • Keep moist: Keep the soil moist but not wet to prevent seed rot. • Light: Set grow lights above trays for 14–16 hrs/day. • Monitor: Check daily for moisture, mold, or damping-off; vent dome briefly. • Germination: 7-14 days. They require consistent warmth (22-35C) for optimal results. Using a heat mat is highly recommended in cooler weather. • Transplant: At ~15 cm or several true leaves, move into pots with nutrient rich, well-draining soil. • Aftercare: Reduce humidity, harden off 7–10 days before outdoors. Begin light feeding once roots establish. • Soil: Use a rich, well-draining, slightly acidic soil (pH 5.5-6.5), amended with compost • Position: 6-8 hours of sun and warmth (21-25°C) • Days to Harvest: Expect fruit roughly 75-90 days after planting. Pods are ready when they transition from green to a vibrant yellow. • Water & Feed: Water regularly to maintain even soil moisture, but avoid waterlogging to prevent root rot. Aji Mochero can tolerate, and even prefer, slight water stress. Feed every 3-4 weeks with a balanced, all-purpose liquid fertilizer to encourage growth and fruit production. • Cultivating Difficulty: Easy. Germination can take up to 3 weeks. High yield once it starts blooming. • Pest Management: Watch for aphids, whiteflies, and spider mites, treating them promptly with organic controls. Add to Wishlist Add to Wishlist