More Information
| Botanical Name |
Capsicum baccatum |
| Seeds Per Pack |
25 |
| Life Cycle |
Annual |
| Min. Time to Germinate |
10 Days |
| Max. Time to Germinate |
15 Days |
| Depth to Sow Seeds |
1/4 in. |
| When to Sow |
Indoors 8-10 weeks before last spring frost |
| Growing Height |
24-36 in. (60-90 cm) |
| Plant Spacing |
18-24 in. (45-60 cm) |
| Hardiness |
N/A |
| Sun Exposure |
Full Sun |
| Danger |
N/A |
| Soil pH Requirements |
5.6 to 6.0 (acidic), 6.1 to 6.5 (mildly acidic), 6.6 to 7.5 (neutral) |
| Days to Harvest |
90-100 |
| Propagation Methods |
From seed; sow indoors before last frost |
| Seed Collecting |
Allow unblemished fruit to ripen; clean and dry seeds |
| Heat (Scoville Heat Units) |
10,000-24,999 SHU, 25,000-49,999 SHU |
| Pepper Color |
Green changing to orange |
| Pepper Shape |
Flat, Tapered |
| Pepper Size |
Small (under 2in. in length) |
| Pepper Usage |
Drying, Fresh (salsa, salads), Pickling |
15,000 - 30,000 SHU. This is an orange variant of Lemon drop Pepper (originally known as Aji Lima) a vibrant and historic seasoning pepper that hails from pre-Columbian Peru. Revered for its stunning appearance and versatile flavor, this pepper ripens to a brilliant orange. Its thin-walled, conical fruits measure 2-3 inches in length and have a waxy, citrus-like texture. The plants, which grow to about 2 feet tall, are incredibly vigorous, producing heavy yields of these striking peppers.
The Lemon Drop Pepper offers a clean, bright, and slightly citrusy heat in the cayenne range—spicy enough to make an impression without overwhelming the palate. This makes it a perfect choice for spicier salsas, citrus-based hot sauces, jellies, and pepper powders or flakes. It pairs beautifully with chicken, fish, and seafood dishes, adding a zesty tang that elevates any meal.
Introduced to the U.S. by William Woys Weaver through the Roughwood Seed Gardens, this pepper’s unique flavor and exceptional productivity make it a standout for home gardeners. Whether you're creating striking yellow hot sauces or experimenting with preserves, the Lemon Drop Pepper is a culinary gem and a visual delight for any garden or kitchen. Non-Isolated.
