Australian Way - Chillis (Rocoto Red)

For those interested I think I found the information about them taken from: – chilliseedbank.com.au

If you want one you can buy a seedling here www.daleysfruit.com.au.

Originally from Central and South America, and more precisely in Chile and Peru.  The species name, pubescens, means hairy, which refers to the hairy leaves of this pepper.  The hairiness of the leaves, along with the black seeds, distinguish this species from others.

Manzano is a Spanish word used for apple trees

This plant originates from high in the Andes and is the most cold tolerant of all the chilli varieties.  I have had the same plant growing in my garden in Melbourne for the past 20 years, and it is still going strong.  It is a very large plant with 4 metre long woody rambling branches.  It is the only variety with black seeds, and some claim it is hotter than the Habanero.  It has brilliant purple flowers and hairy leaves.  The pods are very thick and fleshy and similar in shape to a Jalapeno but about the size of a small Roma tomato.  Each year you can expect to pick at least 20 kg of chillies from each mature plant, however not all years.  I have had to help it stay up with stakes and rope.

• Heat level – 8.5
• Scoville – 30,000 to 350,000 varies with season and with website
• • 100,000 - 350,000 SHU pepperheadsforlife.com
  • 50,000 - 250,000 SHU mentalfloss.com
  • 30,000 - 50,000 SHU pepperseeds.eu
  • 50,000 - 250,000 SHU wikipedia.org
• Pod size (W x L cm) – 3 x 7
• Pod colour – G > R
• Plant size (H x W cm) – 4 metres
• Approx no. Pods/plant – 80