Rocoto (Manzano)
Heirloom pepper · Capsicum pubescens
- Breeding
- Heirloom
- Growth habit
- -
- Days to maturity
- 120-150 days
- Fruit
- red
- Weight
- -
- Bred by
- -
Also known as
| Name | Kind | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Manzano | Synonym | Named for the apple-like fruit. |
| Locoto | Synonym | The Bolivian name. |
Commonly confused with
These are different varieties. A name shared between them does not make them the same seed.
- different variety
Manzano Rojo
The Rocoto (Manzano) record covers the type; this is the red-fruited form specifically.
- different variety
Manzano Amarillo
A separate colour form of the same species; the Rocoto (Manzano) record covers the type.
- different variety
Locoto Boliviano
Regional naming of one species rather than two distinct plants; the seed lots behind each name do differ.
- different variety
Rocoto Amarillo
A colour form within the pubescens type; the Rocoto (Manzano) record covers the type.
Origin & history
The only widely cultivated Capsicum pubescens, and the odd one out of the domesticated peppers: hairy leaves, purple flowers, thick apple-like flesh, and black seeds no other cultivated pepper produces. Andean in origin, it tolerates cold that would kill a habanero and barely crosses with the other species.
Measurements
| Measurement | Value | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Days to maturity | 120-150 days | Consensus range across the cited sources, which include both independent references and commercial catalogs. |
| Scoville heat | 30,000-100,000 SHU | Reported range is wide; the black seeds are the reliable species marker |
Traits
Disease resistance
No documented disease resistance, typical of heirlooms and older open-pollinated varieties. See pepper diseases for the cultural playbook that fills the gap.
Related varieties
- heirloom
Pimiento
75-85 days
- heirloom
Chinese Giant
75-85 days
- heirloom
Hinkelhatz
75-85 days
- open-pollinated
Juanita
90-120 days
- heirloom
Locoto Boliviano
120-180 days
- heirloom
Manzano Amarillo
120-180 days
Explore all pepper varieties · compare any two · when to plant it where you are
Sources & References
Evidence: 3 sources, including 1 independent reference.
- Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds catalog · Baker Creek Heirloom Seed Co., Seed Catalog
- Seed Savers Exchange catalog & variety histories · Seed Savers Exchange, Community Collection
- Peppers: Vegetable and Spice Capsicums · CABI (2012), Scholarly Reference