Ají amarillo Capsicum baccatum var. pendulum
Ají amarillo (Capsicum baccatum var. pendulum) is an annual vegetable in the Solanaceae family, native to Andean South America (Peru and Bolivia). It grows 1–1.8 m (3.3–5.9 ft) tall and 80 cm–1 m (31 in–3.3 ft) wide, wants full sun and moderate water, and is hardy to about 3 °C (37 °F). Space plants about 80 cm (31 in) apart.
Plan Ají amarillo in your garden →
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Ají amarillo at a glance
| Type | Annual vegetable |
|---|---|
| Family | Solanaceae |
| Mature height | 1–1.8 m (3.3–5.9 ft) |
| Mature spread | 80 cm–1 m (31 in–3.3 ft) |
| Spacing | 80 cm (31 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 7 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance low, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 6–7 |
| Cold hardiness | About 3 °C (37 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 10) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 32 °C (90 °F) |
| Flowering | about 9–11 weeks after planting, for 17–26 weeks |
| Days to maturity | About 150 days from planting |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | Low |
| Edible | Yes: ripe fruit |
| Native to | Andean South America (Peru and Bolivia) |
| Common in gardens of | 🇵🇪 Peru |
Is Ají amarillo toxic?
- People: mildly toxic
- Cats: mildly toxic
- Dogs: mildly toxic
- Parts: fruit, seeds
Capsaicin causes burning irritation of mouth, eyes and skin; large amounts can cause vomiting.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Ají amarillo
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and moderate water.
Keep apart or take care
- caution With Florence fennel: Fennel releases growth-inhibiting compounds from roots and foliage; lab and garden reports show poorer growth of tomato, pepper and other nearby crops, so keep it in its own corner. Evidence C
- caution With Smoke tree: Smoke tree is very susceptible to Verticillium wilt, which persists in soil after tomato, potato or aubergine crops; avoid planting it where those crops have wilted. Evidence C
- caution With Fennel: Fennel is reported to suppress tomatoes, peppers and many other vegetables nearby; grow it in its own corner. Evidence C
- caution With Nightshades: Nightshades share late blight, early blight, Verticillium wilt and Colorado potato beetle; mix with other families and rotate the bed. Evidence B
- avoid With Potato: Potatoes are the main source of late blight (Phytophthora infestans) that spreads to tomatoes and other nightshades within a few metres. Evidence B
- caution With Sunflower: Sunflower residues and roots release phenolic compounds that can slow nearby seedlings; transplants are less affected. Evidence C
Shared pests and diseases
- Late blight: Late blight spreads by wind-borne spores between potatoes, tomatoes and their relatives. Evidence B
- Verticillium wilt: Verticillium lives in soil for years; hosts planted together or in sequence build it up. Evidence B
Questions about Ají amarillo
- How far apart should I plant Ají amarillo?
- About 80 cm (31 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 80 cm–1 m (31 in–3.3 ft).
- Does Ají amarillo need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 7 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Ají amarillo need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is low and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Ají amarillo?
- It tolerates about 3 °C (37 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 10. As an annual it is usually planted out after the last frost.
- When does Ají amarillo flower?
- About 9–11 weeks after planting, for 17–26 weeks.
- Is Ají amarillo poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is mildly toxic; for dogs mildly toxic; for people mildly toxic. Capsaicin causes burning irritation of mouth, eyes and skin; large amounts can cause vomiting.
- What grows well with Ají amarillo?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Ají amarillo. Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade C (C: plausible, mixed evidence).
- ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List, ASPCA
- University extension gardening guides (general), Various land-grant university extensions
- FAO Irrigation and Drainage Paper 56 — Crop Evapotranspiration, FAO
Notes and assumptions
- Typical garden-form values; cultivars and local conditions differ.
- A perennial in frost-free coastal Peru; treated as an annual crop elsewhere. Fruit turns from green to orange when ripe.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Tomato Solanum lycopersicum
- Cherry tomato Solanum lycopersicum var. cerasiforme
- Potato Solanum tuberosum
- Bell pepper Capsicum annuum
- Eggplant (aubergine) Solanum melongena
- Chili pepper Capsicum annuum (hot types)
- Petunia Petunia x hybrida
- Tomatillo Physalis philadelphica