Sweet Ajvarski Pepper (Capsicum annuum)
This large sweet pepper is an heirloom variety originally from North Macedonia and it is one of the traditional peppers used to make "Ajvar", a spread of pepper and eggplant paste. This variety is similar to our "Balkan" pepper but the flavor has more hints of mineral and smoke. Ajvarski peppers are generally a little larger than our Balkan peppers and while they are quite sweet they aren't as sugar-sweet as the Balkans.
The wedge-shaped fruits of the Ajvarski pepper grow to about 6"-8" and the flesh is juicy and fragrant. The 2' tall plants are thick with dark green foliage and the large fruits start off green before turning a crimson red. In the Balkans, the Ajvarski pepper is traditionally roasted and made into a spread but the pepper is fantastic for fresh eating too.
Origin: The parent seed of our Ajvarski peppers were given to us by a friend whose parents live and garden in the town of Ognjanci, North Macedonia.
(Approximately 20 seeds per packet)
Germination rate: 85% - tested 9/1/24
Planting Instructions: We recommend starting peppers indoors in a sunny and warm location 4-6 weeks before last frost in spring. Plant outdoors in full sun after danger of frost in spring. Note: Pepper seeds need soil temperatures to be at least 70 F to germinate and we use a heating pad under the seedling tray to maintain temperature.
