ROCOTO TREE RED CHILLI – GROWS INTO A SMALL TREE UP TO 10 FOOT HIGH! THIS IS A MEDIUM TO HOT CHILLI WITH ATTRACTIVE FRUITS THAT IS GREAT IN SALSA, SAUCES AND FOR STUFFING! UP TO 15 YEARS OF LIFE! YOU WILL GET DOZENS OF CHILLIS ALL YEAR ROUND! PLUS IT HAS THE MOST AMAZING STAR FLOWERS!

Where the botanical term “Capsicum” comes from is not quite clear. It is to be assumed however that the physician Tournefort derived the name from “capsule”. If this is so, he certainly thought of the cylindrical apple shape of the Rocoto. The fruits are unusual for chillies, but extremely tasty. Rocoto pods are considerably heavier than chillies of other species due to the large amount of flesh.

When sliced, Rocoto can be recognized by its black-brown chilli seeds. In terms of taste, the pods can be described as sour-sweet. It forms a thick trunk then sends out tendrils like a climber which wrap around it.

The Rocoto Tree Chilli from Peru is different to the normal varieties of chilli that are commonly sold, which are Capsicum anuum. The Rocoto chilli is Capsicum pubescens, , so named for the fine hairs on the leaves (pubescens = hairy)

Once it is established, treat it like a tomato and avoid over-watering. The plant can produce for 15 years, getting more than 10 feet high under good conditions and vining robustly, leading to another common name, tree chili. One lovely bonus: beautiful, six-pointed, star-shaped flowers!

Grow Notes
Plant in full sun but keep well-watered. They need a well-drained soil enriched with plenty of organic matter.

Can be grown in containers or gardens. Once fruiting plants may need staking if starting to lean. Pick regularly to encourage more fruit.

Chilli plants are susceptible to mildews and need protection from aphids.

Sow
Sow direct or in pots in Spring, after chance of frost has passed. If living in a warmer climate they can be grown in any season. Sow 5mm deep with 50cm spacing and 100cm between rows.

Keep soil moist but never wet.

Germination
7-21 days at 22-35°C

Maturity
80 days.

CHILLI SEEDS CAN BE HOT – AVOID TOUCHING YOUR FACE ETC., WHEN HANDLING CHILLI SEEDS.