Manzano
Capsicum pubescens
Also known asChile manzano · Chile perón · Apple chile · Caballo · Canario (yellow form)
Environment
The bounded range this crop tolerates.
Climate and zones
- USDA zones
- 8–12 (winter low around -12°C)
- Frost
- tolerates light frost
- Season
- cool (spring/fall)
Growing systems
Root mass: heavy. Thin-channel systems can't hold this crop.
Growing media
| Medium | pH effect | Retention | Bacterial surface |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coco coir (Coconut coir) | slightly acidic | high | moderate |
| Perlite (Expanded volcanic glass) | neutral / inert | very low | low |
| Soil-based mix (Potting soil) | varies | high | high |
Nutrient demand by stage
NPK ratios are relative weights. EC targets shift through the plant's life.
| Stage | N | P | K | EC (mS/cm) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| seedling | 2 | 1 | 1 | 1.2 |
| vegetative | 3 | 1 | 2 | 1.8 |
| flowering | 1 | 2 | 3 | 2.2 |
| fruiting | 1 | 2 | 3 | 2.4 |
Companion-growing notes
- Heavy uptake of potassium, calcium. Co-grown crops with the same demand will end up deficient even at "correct" EC.
Aquaponics suitability
Compatible
Fish waste provides enough nitrogen for healthy growth. Supplemental potassium, calcium, and iron may still be needed depending on fish stocking density.
Care notes
A specialty pepper with unusual cool-temperature requirements. EC 2.0-3.0 mS/cm. pH 5.5-6.5. Temperature: 15–25°C (critical distinction from all other hot peppers: manzano prefers COOL conditions and performs poorly above 30°C, which is opposite to most hot pepper species). Moderate light (DLI 14-20 mol/m2/day; tolerates lower light than tropical peppers). Plants are large (60–120 cm, semi-woody) and long-lived (perennial for many years in frost-free conditions). From transplant to fruit: 90-120 days. The thick-walled fruits are heavy and need support. Harvest when fully colored (red, orange, or yellow depending on variety). Each plant produces 15-30 fruits. The black seeds are viable and produce true-to-type plants. The cool-temperature preference makes manzano an excellent greenhouse pepper for climates too cool for habanero or other chinense types. The unique flavor and heat profile have no substitute.