Giant Chocolate Rocoto (Capsicum pubescens) 2L Pot
Giant Chocolate Rocoto is a Capsicum pubescens variety grown for its large, thick-walled fruit and dark brown colouring.
The plant develops softly hairy leaves and stems, purple flowers and dark brown to black seeds, all characteristic features of Capsicum pubescens.
The rounded or blocky peppers begin green before ripening to chocolate brown. Under suitable conditions, the fruit can become approximately the size of a small apple.
Giant Chocolate Rocoto has thick, juicy flesh with a sweet and fruity flavour followed by medium-hot to hot heat. The peppers are suitable for stuffing, roasting, sauces, relishes and cooked dishes.
In the UK, Giant Chocolate Rocoto can be grown in a greenhouse, polytunnel or sheltered outdoor position. It tolerates cooler summer conditions better than many tropical chilli varieties but remains vulnerable to frost.
Plant Details
Botanical name: Capsicum pubescens
Common name: Giant Chocolate Rocoto
Plant family: Solanaceae
Habit: Vigorous, branching tender perennial
Potential height: Approximately 1.2–2 metres under suitable conditions
Foliage: Green, softly hairy leaves
Flowers: Purple flowers
Fruit: Large, thick-walled peppers ripening from green to chocolate brown
Seeds: Dark brown to black
Heat level: Medium-hot to hot
Position: Full sun or bright partial shade
Suitable for: Greenhouses, polytunnels, patios and large containers
Hardiness: Tender and not frost hardy
Growing Advice
Grow your Giant Chocolate Rocoto in fertile, moisture-retentive but well-draining compost. Move the plant into a large and stable container as it develops.
Keep the compost consistently moist during active growth but do not leave the pot standing in water. Rocoto plants may drop flowers if repeatedly allowed to wilt.
Place the plant in a bright position with good ventilation. It may benefit from light shade during periods of intense greenhouse heat.
Feed regularly with a balanced liquid fertiliser during early growth. Change to a high-potassium feed once flowers or young fruit appear.
The branches should be supported because the mature fruit can become relatively large and heavy.
Capsicum pubescens is perennial and is worth attempting to overwinter. Keep the plant in a bright, frost-free position and reduce watering while growth is slow.
Fruiting in the UK
Giant Chocolate Rocoto requires a long growing season, and the thick-walled fruit can be slow to ripen.
Established overwintered plants may flower and crop earlier than plants grown for a single season. Greenhouse or polytunnel cultivation provides the most reliable results.
What You Will Receive
You will receive one Giant Chocolate Rocoto plant growing in a 2-litre pot. Plants are typically dispatched at approximately 20–30 cm tall.
Young plants may not yet display purple flowers, black seeds or mature fruit. Final fruit size and colouring will depend on growing conditions.
Important Information
Giant Chocolate Rocoto peppers are hot despite their resemblance to small sweet peppers.
Wear gloves when cutting or preparing the fruit. Avoid touching your eyes or face and wash your hands thoroughly after handling.