Manzano Rocoto Aji Largo Chili Seeds

Information: Rocoto is the South American term for chillies of the genus Capsicum pubescens, whilst "manzano" means "apple-shaped". "Pubescens" means "hairy", referring to the plant`s hairy leaves. The most obvious difference from other types of chili are the decorative, violet-coloured flowers. It is well worth keeping rocoto plants over winter as they can grow to reach a venerable old age. The rocoto plants can also cope well with the cool nights of our central European climate.

Manzano rocoto aji largo chilies originate from Ecuador. This very spicy variety is extremely popular amongst the locals. The fruits ripen faster than other rocoto varieties and turn bright red. Also, the peppers do not grow in the characteristic egg-like shape, but instead are elongated and more like the aji chili. Like other rocoto chillies, they have thick outer walls and are succulent with an exceptionally, fruity flavour, reminiscent of an apple. In the countries of South America, it is also known under the nickname "gringo killer", which reveals a lot about how hot this pepper is. Rocoto peppers are fantastic for using in salsas and sauces, alternatively they can be stuffed with a variety of fillings and baked.

Care: Germination temperature is between 22°C and 28°C (germination period: 12-21 days); it is therefore recommended to use a greenhouse and a heating mat. The plants need fresh, well-fertilised permeable soil and should not be left in standing water. They should be placed in a sunny, sheltered place. As the plants have a particularly long maturation period, and can live for many years, it is recommended to grow them in a pot, so that you can easily bring the plant inside when the temperature falls below 10°C during the day. To keep the plant over the winter, cut it back by 20cm after harvesting and place in a light place where it is at least 15°C.

You can find plenty of useful tips for successfully growing chili plants in our Chili Cultivation Instructions and in the Chili Diary.