Capsicum Pubescens

The Capsicum Pubescens is one of the 5 Domesticated Capsicum Species including both Chillies and Bell Peppers. It is native to South America, widespread mainly in Peru and Bolivia. It is one of the longest known Capsicum species, having been cultivated as early as 5,000 years ago. It grows in the Andes at high altitudes, generally above 1,000 meters, thus presenting a marked resistance to cold, however it does not tolerate the frost and heat of the tropical plains. The Incas greatly appreciated the taste of Rocoto, one of the main Cultivars of Capsicum Pubescens. The main feature of Capsicum Pubescens are the rare and famous Black Seeds in the fruit, regardless of shape and level of spiciness. The plant is generally similar to a small tree, fast growing, similar to a climber, so much so that it is necessary to support the longer branches with trellises. The color of the flowers ranges from intense purple to white, with intermediate colors, a characteristic that makes it easy to identify. The oval leaves may have a slight down on the underside.

For the growth and maturation of the fruits it takes about 120 days from transplanting, therefore it is advisable to sow very early in the greenhouse or in a germinator, heating the compost. Very often the plants are not self-fertile, so it is advisable to grow at least two, and pollinate by hand for maximum yield. It is very sensitive to direct sunlight, so in the hottest areas it is good to shade the plants in the summer months, to avoid burning leaves and fruits. The variability of the content in Capsaicinoids, and therefore of spiciness, within Capsicum Pubescens does not vary much, for the most part it is between 30,000 and 100,000 SHU. Many have written to me asking me if Rocotò bears fruit in the first year, the answer is yes but the secret lies in keeping them in the shade in the hottest months of summer or at most in jagged sun ... if you keep them in full sun, probably they will not bear fruit.

The tastiest Rocotò and with a plentiful harvest are the Rocoto Yellow Canario and the recent Rocoto Olive Green, widely used in the US in Street Food eaten in bites, simply delicious.

Here is the List of Rare Capsicum Pubescens Chilli Seeds available: