Growing Capsicum pubescens: rocoto and manzano peppers
Our guide first, then the quoted facts, linked to their sources.
Quoted facts about growing Capsicum pubescens from 4 source publications.
Our guide written by Pepperheads
Oregon State says the species name comes from the dense covering of hairs on the stems and leaves, and that the seeds are brown or black. Missouri describes purple corollas and black seeds. Oregon State describes fruit about 1 inch in diameter, round or bell-shaped and red when ripe, and both Oregon State and the Chile Pepper Institute print 175,000 SHU.
Oregon State says the species was domesticated in the Andes of northern South America, is adapted to high altitudes in the tropics, and needs a long growing season and a high tunnel or heated greenhouse to ripen in Oregon. Missouri names rocoto types and the 'Manzano' variety.
Illinois Extension lists Canario and Rocoto. The displayed quotations do not give a pubescens-specific germination temperature, spacing or days to maturity. See also our growing basics.
The sourced facts
Name
This hot pepper’s species name, C. pubescens, comes from the dense covering of hairs on the stems and leaves.
Seeds
The seeds are brown or black, unlike other Capsicum species, which have cream-colored seeds.
Fruit
The fruit is about 1 inch in diameter, round or bell-shaped, and red when ripe. This is a hot pepper (175,000 SHU).
Heat
Rocoto (175,000 SHU)
Flowers and types
A bit more cold tolerant than other peppers, this species produces hot, flavorful fruits distinguished by purple corollas and black seeds. This species is most notable for rocoto types of hot pepper and the 'Manzano' variety.
Cultivars
C. pubescens Canario, Rocoto
Origin
This species was domesticated in the Andes of northern South America. It is adapted to high altitudes in the tropics.
Season
It needs a long growing season and requires a high tunnel or heated greenhouse to ripen in Oregon.
What our sources don't cover
We looked for these and didn't find them for this type in the sources above, so we don't state them: a pubescens-specific germination temperature; pubescens-specific spacing; days to maturity in days. For general germination, hardening-off and spacing figures, see our growing basics.
More guides: Capsicum annuum · Capsicum chinense · Capsicum baccatum · Capsicum frutescens · Indoors and overwintering