Orange Starfish x Aji Confusion

Orange Starfish x Aji Confusion is an early-generation Capsicum baccatum hybrid between Orange Starfish and Aji Confusion. It was listed by Matt’s Peppers as a cross between two distinctive, strongly shaped peppers, with the current generation producing white-ripening fruit that closely resembles Aji Confusion. The listing places it among Matt’s Peppers’ 2024 releases, and the description is credited to baus, a Colorado-based grower associated with pepper growing and breeding content.

The plant is expected to show typical baccatum vigour, with green foliage and productive branching growth. The Aji Confusion side gives the cross its unusual pod form: irregular, quirky, bell-like fruit with drooping lobes and a pointed or beaked end. The Orange Starfish side contributes the flattened starfish-shaped ancestry, sweetness, and fruity baccatum character. In this generation, the visible result leans heavily toward Aji Confusion, producing pale white to cream pods rather than orange starfish-shaped pods.

The fruit ripens from green to cream white. Pods are likely small to medium for a baccatum, with thin walls, irregular lobing, and a decorative pendant shape. Aji Confusion is described as producing abundant fruit with unusual forms, while Orange Starfish is described as a prolific Brazilian-derived baccatum with broad, star-shaped pods around 4 to 5 cm long and wide and about 15 mm high. This hybrid combines those two shape lines, but the currently listed generation is specifically noted for looking much more like Aji Confusion.

The flavour is centred on fruity, sweet, bright baccatum qualities. Aji Confusion is described as fruity with a slightly floral finish, while Orange Starfish is described with sweetness, apple-like aroma, citrus undertones, and mild to moderate heat concentrated toward the centre of the fruit. For this hybrid, the expected profile is a pale, fruity, lightly floral baccatum chilli with a sweet edge and enough heat to be useful fresh in salads, salsas, pickling, sauces, and bright chilli powders.