Rocoto Capsicum pubescens
Rocoto (Capsicum pubescens) is an evergreen perennial vegetable in the Solanaceae family, native to Andean highlands (Bolivia and Peru). It grows 1–2.5 m (3.3–8.2 ft) tall and 1–1.8 m (3.3–5.9 ft) wide, wants full sun and moderate water, and is hardy to about -2 °C (28 °F). Space plants about 1.2 m (3.9 ft) apart.
Plan Rocoto in your garden →
Free. Draw your beds, then watch it grow through the year in 2D and 3D.
Rocoto at a glance
| Type | Perennial vegetable, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Solanaceae |
| Mature height | 1–2.5 m (3.3–8.2 ft) |
| Mature spread | 1–1.8 m (3.3–5.9 ft) |
| Spacing | 1.2 m (3.9 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 6 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance low, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 5.5–7 |
| Cold hardiness | About -2 °C (28 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 9) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 28 °C (82 °F) |
| Flowering | about 21–31 weeks after planting, for 17–34 weeks |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | Moderate |
| Edible | Yes: ripe fruit |
| Native to | Andean highlands (Bolivia and Peru) |
| Common in gardens of | 🇵🇪 Peru, 🇲🇽 Mexico |
Is Rocoto toxic?
- People: mildly toxic
- Cats: mildly toxic
- Dogs: mildly toxic
- Parts: fruit, seeds
Capsaicin causes burning irritation of mouth, eyes and skin; very hot fruit can cause vomiting if eaten in quantity.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Rocoto
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and moderate water.
Keep apart or take care
- caution With Florence fennel: Fennel releases growth-inhibiting compounds from roots and foliage; lab and garden reports show poorer growth of tomato, pepper and other nearby crops, so keep it in its own corner. Evidence C
- caution With Smoke tree: Smoke tree is very susceptible to Verticillium wilt, which persists in soil after tomato, potato or aubergine crops; avoid planting it where those crops have wilted. Evidence C
- caution With Fennel: Fennel is reported to suppress tomatoes, peppers and many other vegetables nearby; grow it in its own corner. Evidence C
- caution With Nightshades: Nightshades share late blight, early blight, Verticillium wilt and Colorado potato beetle; mix with other families and rotate the bed. Evidence B
- avoid With Potato: Potatoes are the main source of late blight (Phytophthora infestans) that spreads to tomatoes and other nightshades within a few metres. Evidence B
- caution With Sunflower: Sunflower residues and roots release phenolic compounds that can slow nearby seedlings; transplants are less affected. Evidence C
Shared pests and diseases
- Late blight: Late blight spreads by wind-borne spores between potatoes, tomatoes and their relatives. Evidence B
- Verticillium wilt: Verticillium lives in soil for years; hosts planted together or in sequence build it up. Evidence B
Questions about Rocoto
- How far apart should I plant Rocoto?
- About 1.2 m (3.9 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 1–1.8 m (3.3–5.9 ft).
- Does Rocoto need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 6 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Rocoto need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is low and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Rocoto?
- It tolerates about -2 °C (28 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 9.
- When does Rocoto flower?
- About 21–31 weeks after planting, for 17–34 weeks.
- Is Rocoto poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is mildly toxic; for dogs mildly toxic; for people mildly toxic. Capsaicin causes burning irritation of mouth, eyes and skin; very hot fruit can cause vomiting if eaten in quantity.
- What grows well with Rocoto?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Rocoto. Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade C (C: plausible, mixed evidence).
- ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List, ASPCA
- Plants For A Future database, PFAF
- University extension gardening guides (general), Various land-grant university extensions
Notes and assumptions
- Typical garden-form values; cultivars and local conditions differ.
- Unusual among chillies: prefers cool highland conditions and tolerates only very light frost; stalls above about 30 C. Hairy leaves, purple flowers and black seeds.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Tomato Solanum lycopersicum
- Cherry tomato Solanum lycopersicum var. cerasiforme
- Potato Solanum tuberosum
- Bell pepper Capsicum annuum
- Eggplant (aubergine) Solanum melongena
- Chili pepper Capsicum annuum (hot types)
- Petunia Petunia x hybrida
- Tomatillo Physalis philadelphica