How to Grow Cayenne Pepper Aji Caballero

Cayenne Pepper Aji Caballero

Capsicum annuum var. longum

vegetable

Aji Caballero is a traditional Peruvian cayenne pepper variety known for its long, slender red fruits and moderate heat level (30,000-50,000 Scoville units). This compact to medium-height plant produces abundant peppers that are excellent for fresh use, drying, and making hot sauces. It's a reliable producer with excellent flavor complexity and cultural significance in Andean cuisine.

Growing Conditions

☀️

Sun: Full sun, 8-10 hours daily (minimum 6 hours)

💧

Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; water deeply 2-3 times weekly. Reduce watering slightly once fruiting begins to concentrate flavors. Mulch to retain moisture and regulate soil temperature.

📏

Spacing: 18 inches

📅

Days to maturity: 70-90 days from transplant to first red fruit

🌱

Planting depth: 1/4 inch for seeds; transplants at same depth as nursery pot

Soil

Type: Well-draining loamy soil with good organic matter

pH: 6.0-6.8

Amendments:

Compost (2-3 inches worked in) Aged manure Perlite or pumice for drainage Balanced fertilizer (10-10-10 or similar)

Growing Zones

Find your zone →

Thrives in zones 9-11; can be grown as annual in zones 5-8 with season extension

9a 9b 10a 10b 11a 11b

Growth Stages

Seedling

4-6 weeks

Small plants with 2-4 true leaves, tender and delicate

Maintain warm soil (75-85°F), high humidity, and bright indirect light. Keep soil moist but not soggy. Harden off gradually before transplanting outdoors.

Vegetative Growth

4-6 weeks after transplanting

Plant develops woody stems, branches, and dark green foliage; no flowers yet

Provide full sun and consistent warmth (70-80°F). Water regularly and fertilize every 2-3 weeks with balanced fertilizer. Pinch off early flower buds if plant is small to encourage branching.

Flowering

3-4 weeks

Small white or pale yellow flowers appear in leaf axils; typically 4-6 flowers per cluster

Ensure adequate pollination with air circulation or light hand-pollination. Maintain consistent watering; avoid water stress which causes flower drop. Reduce nitrogen fertilizer; switch to phosphorus-rich formula.

Fruiting

6-8 weeks

Green peppers develop from flowers, gradually elongating to 4-6 inches. Peppers turn from green to bright red as they mature.

Continue consistent watering and fertilizing. Support heavy branches with stakes if needed. Harvest green peppers at any time, or wait for red color (4-6 weeks more) for maximum heat and flavor.

Harvest

Ongoing through season or until frost

Ripe red peppers ready for picking; plant continues to flower and produce if peppers are harvested regularly

Harvest peppers by cutting rather than pulling to avoid damaging branches. Continue regular watering and feeding. In frost-prone zones, bring entire plant indoors before first frost for continued production.

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Basil Onion Garlic Spinach Carrot Marigold Nasturtium Borage

Avoid planting near:

Fennel Kohlrabi Cabbage (competitive for nutrients) Other Capsicum species (cross-pollination concerns if seed saving)

Common Pests

Spray with water to dislodge; use neem oil or insecticidal soap weekly if severe. Increase humidity to discourage.
Spray with strong water stream; apply insecticidal soap or neem oil. Introduce ladybugs or parasitic wasps.
Use yellow sticky traps; spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap every 5-7 days.
Remove infested fruit immediately and destroy. Spray with spinosad or pyrethrin. Rotate crops and remove crop debris.
Use disease-resistant varieties if available; ensure excellent drainage and soil sterilization. Remove and destroy affected plants.

Uses

🍳

Hot Sauce & Spice

Culinary

Aji Caballero peppers are traditionally used in Peruvian cuisine for making aji rojo (red pepper paste) and hot sauces. The peppers can be used fresh, dried, or fermented to create complex, flavorful condiments. [source]

🍳

Drying & Grinding

Culinary

When fully ripened and dried, these peppers become a premium dried chile for grinding into cayenne powder. The dried peppers have excellent shelf life and can be stored for months. [source]

💊

Capsaicin Health Benefits

Medicinal

Cayenne peppers contain capsaicin, a compound with anti-inflammatory and metabolic properties. Traditionally used in herbal medicine for circulation support and digestive health. [source]

🏠

Natural Pest Deterrent

Household

Dried cayenne pepper can be made into a spray or dust to deter garden pests and insects. Also used in households as a wildlife deterrent. [source]

🍳

Traditional Andean Cooking

Culinary

Aji Caballero is a heritage variety deeply rooted in Peruvian and Andean cuisine, used in ceviche marinades, soups, and stews for authentic regional flavor. [source]

This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.

Harvest Tips

Harvest green peppers at 4-5 inches long for milder flavor, or wait for full red color (7-8 weeks total maturity) for peak heat and sweetness. Use sharp pruning shears to cut peppers rather than pulling. Regular harvesting encourages continued production. Peppers are best harvested in morning. For drying, leave on plant until fully mature and red, or harvest red peppers and dry indoors (strung or on screens) until wrinkled and brittle (2-4 weeks).

Fun Facts

🌱 Aji Caballero is a landrace variety from Peru, meaning it was developed through traditional selection by indigenous farmers over centuries and is genetically diverse within the variety.
🌱 The name 'Caballero' (Spanish for 'gentleman' or 'knight') reflects the pepper's reputation for balanced heat and excellent flavor—respected in Peruvian culinary culture.
🌱 Cayenne peppers were originally domesticated in Central and South America, and the name 'cayenne' comes from the city of Cayenne in French Guiana, not from the plant's origin.

Want personalized planting timelines?

Get started free