Rocoto

Scientific Name: Capsicum pubescens

Also Known As

Tree Pepper

Plant type

perennial, fruit / vegetable

size

H: 6'-9'
W: 5'-6'

planting zones

9b-12

More Options

Rocoto plant details

Rocoto is a broadleaf evergreen or semi-evergreen perennial fruit / vegetable with green foliage. In spring and summer purple flowers emerge followed by orange and red fruit. Features glossy texture. Attracts bees making it an excellent addition to pollinator gardens. Grows well with sun - mostly sun and even moisture - regular water. Does well in average, rich and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something heat tolerant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Rocoto

Plant type: perennial fruit / vegetable
Plant family: solanaceae
Foliage: evergreen or semi-evergreen green
Mature size: 5 FT - 6 FT - wide, 6 FT - 9 FT - tall
Flowers: purple blooms in spring and summer
Uses: container plant, edible, rare, showy, trellis, tropical-looking

GROWING CONDITIONS for Rocoto

USDA Zones: 9b - 12
Sun exposure: sun - mostly sun
Watering frequency: even moisture - regular
Resistant to: heat
Soil needs: average, rich and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

While most garden peppers are annuals, this perennial pepper will over-winter & become a 6’ shrub. It has been grown in Peru & Bolivia for 5000 years, & last year I was fortunate to receive peppers from Joe Carrasco, all grown from seed he brought back to California from Bolivia. The large (and very beautiful) fruit has thick flesh like a bell pepper, though variable in heat, it is a HOT pepper with great flavor. Joe recommends growing it in a barrel during its first year & planting it in the garden next year. Have a trellis ready to support the branches & the fruit. It prefers some shade to full sun, and while fairly hardy, it will get damaged by hard frost. Grows very well in Sunset Zone 17, protect it if the temperatures go below 30 °F. In spring cut back by 1/3 & remove any damaged branches.