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 is identical to the manzano entry: cool-loving C. pubescens that prefers 15–25°C and performs poorly in the tropical heat that other hot peppers demand. EC 2.0-3.0 mS/cm. pH 5.5-6.5. Moderate light (DLI 14-20 mol/m2/day). Plants are large and perennial. From transplant to fruit: 90-120 days. For rocoto relleno: select large, firm, thick-walled fruits. Cut the top off like a lid, scoop out seeds and membranes (wearing gloves), blanch the hollowed pepper briefly to soften, 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 during baking. For Bolivian llajua: grind fresh rocoto with tomato, quilquina herb (or cilantro as a substitute), and salt in a mortar. This fresh salsa is served with virtually every meal in Bolivia.