Rocoto
Capsicum pubescens
Also known asManzano (Mexico) · Locoto (Bolivia) · Apple chile · Tree pepper
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
Culture matches the manzano entry: a cool-loving Capsicum pubescens that prefers 15–25°C and does poorly in the tropical heat other hot peppers want. EC 1.8-2.6 mS/cm. pH 5.8-6.8. Moderate to high light (DLI 18-28 mol/m2/day). Plants are large, woody and perennial. From transplant to fruit is long, around 150-200 days. For rocoto relleno, choose large, firm, thick-walled fruits: cut the top off as a lid, scoop out the seeds and membranes (wearing gloves), blanch the hollowed pepper briefly to soften it, stuff with filling, replace the lid and bake at 180°C for 30-40 minutes until the filling is cooked through; the thick walls hold their shape. For Bolivian llajua, grind fresh rocoto with tomato, quilquina herb (or cilantro) and salt in a mortar, a fresh salsa served with nearly every meal in Bolivia.