Aconcagua Peppers: Sweet Giants of the Garden

Tired of the same old bell peppers from the grocery store? Are you looking for a sweet pepper variety that will not only impress your neighbors but also deliver an incredible, fruity flavor? Meet the Aconcagua pepper, a colossal sweet pepper that deserves a prime spot in your garden.

Named after the towering Aconcagua mountain in Argentina, this pepper lives up to its namesake. It’s a true giant in the garden, and here at Scorch Squad, we think it’s a must-grow for anyone who loves flavor without the fire.

What Makes the Aconcagua So Special?

The Aconcagua is a type of frying pepper, but its characteristics set it apart from the crowd.

• Massive Size: These are not your average peppers. Aconcagua peppers can grow up to a foot long! Their tapered, slightly curved shape makes them look like a giant, vibrant horn. One pepper is often enough for an entire meal.
• Gorgeous Color: The plants are a beautiful sight as the peppers ripen. They transition from a pale lime green to a stunning, deep reddish-orange or crimson red. You can harvest them at any stage, but the flavor gets sweeter as they change color.
• Candy-Sweet Flavor: Let's talk taste. The most important feature of the Aconcagua is its incredible sweetness. When fully ripe, it has a crisp, fruity flavor that’s far superior to a standard bell pepper. With a Scoville Heat Unit (SHU) rating of 0-500, it’s exceptionally mild and perfect for the whole family.

How to Use These Gentle Giants in the Kitchen

The Aconcagua's size and sweet flavor make it incredibly versatile. Its thin walls are perfect for quick cooking.

• The Ultimate Stuffed Pepper: Their canoe-like shape and massive size make them the ideal vessel for stuffing with rice, cheese, meat, or vegetables before baking.
• Roasting & Grilling: Throw them on the grill or under the broiler until the skin blisters. The heat caramelizes their natural sugars, intensifying their sweetness.
• Fresh & Crisp: Slice them up for salads, sandwiches, or veggie platters. Their crisp texture and sweet taste are a refreshing addition to any fresh dish.
• Perfect for Frying: True to their pepper type, they are phenomenal when quickly pan-fried in olive oil with a little garlic and salt.

Growing Aconcagua Peppers

Ready to add this giant to your garden lineup? Aconcaguas are relatively easy to grow and are quite productive.

1. Start Indoors: Like most peppers, it’s best to start Aconcagua seeds indoors about 6-8 weeks before your last expected frost.
2. Sunlight is Key: These plants love the sun. Pick a spot in your garden that gets at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day.
3. Soil & Water: Plant them in well-draining soil that’s rich in organic matter, with a soil pH between $6.0$ and $6.8$. Keep the soil consistently moist but never waterlogged.
4. Provide Support: This is crucial! As the colossal peppers begin to grow, their weight can strain and even break the plant's branches. Use sturdy stakes or cages to support the plants and their heavy fruit.
5. Harvest Time: You can pick the peppers when they are green, but for the peak of sweetness and flavor, wait until they have turned completely red. Simply snip the stem with a pair of pruners.

For more deep dives into fascinating pepper varieties, be sure to check out our comprehensive pillar post, Pepper Profiles & Spotlights: A Scorch Squad Guide.

Ready to Grow Your Own Giants?

The Aconcagua pepper is a rewarding plant for any gardener, from beginner to expert. It offers a huge, delicious harvest that will keep your kitchen stocked with sweet, versatile flavor.

Ready to give it a try? Grab your Aconcagua Pepper Seeds right here at Scorch Squad!

Have you grown Aconcagua peppers before? We’d love to see them! Share your photos with us on Instagram and tag @thescorchsquad. Happy growing!