{"product_id":"rocoto-arequipa-capsicum-pubescens-2l-pot","title":"Rocoto Arequipa (Capsicum pubescens) 2L Pot","description":"\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRocoto Arequipa is a large-fruited Peruvian chilli variety grown for its rounded red peppers and thick, juicy flesh.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eUnlike most commonly cultivated chilli species, Capsicum pubescens develops softly hairy leaves and stems, purple flowers and dark brown or black seeds.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRocoto Arequipa produces rounded peppers that can reach approximately 5 cm in diameter under suitable conditions. The thick-walled fruit has a fresh, fruity flavour combined with substantial heat.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe peppers are suited to stuffing, sauces, relishes and cooked dishes. Rocotos are particularly associated with the cuisine of Arequipa in southern Peru.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIn the UK, Rocoto Arequipa 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.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePlant Details\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBotanical name:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Capsicum pubescens\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCommon names:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Rocoto Arequipa, Arequipa Rocoto\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePlant family:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Solanaceae\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHabit:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Vigorous, branching tender perennial\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePotential height:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Approximately 1.2–2 metres under suitable conditions\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFoliage:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Green, softly hairy leaves\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFlowers:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Purple flowers\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFruit:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Large, rounded peppers ripening to red\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSeeds:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Dark brown to black\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHeat level:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Hot\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePosition:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Full sun or bright partial shade\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSuitable for:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Greenhouses, polytunnels, patios and large containers\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHardiness:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Tender and not frost hardy\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan\u003eGrowing Advice\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eGrow your Rocoto Arequipa in fertile, moisture-retentive but well-draining compost. Move the plant into a large, stable container as it develops.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eKeep the compost consistently moist during active growth, but do not leave the pot standing in water. Rocotos generally prefer steady moisture and may drop flowers if repeatedly allowed to wilt.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePlace the plant in a bright position with good ventilation. Unlike many other chillies, Rocoto may benefit from some protection from intense midday heat inside a greenhouse.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFeed regularly with a balanced liquid fertiliser during early growth. Change to a high-potassium feed once flowers or young fruit appear.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe branching stems may require support, particularly when carrying mature fruit.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRocoto plants are perennial and are worth attempting to overwinter. Keep the plant in a bright, frost-free position and reduce watering while growth is slow.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFruiting in the UK\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRocoto Arequipa requires a long growing season, and the fruit can be slow to ripen. Established overwintered plants may crop earlier than plants grown fresh each year.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFruit production is possible outdoors in sheltered locations, but a greenhouse or polytunnel gives more reliable results.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWhat You Will Receive\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eYou will receive one healthy Rocoto Arequipa plant growing in a 2-litre pot. Plants are typically dispatched at approximately 20–30 cm tall.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eYoung plants may not yet display purple flowers, black seeds or fruit. Size and development will vary naturally.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan\u003eImportant Information\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRocoto peppers are hot despite their resemblance to small sweet peppers.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWear gloves when cutting or preparing the fruit. Avoid touching your eyes or face and wash your hands thoroughly after handling.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Tropical Plant Nursery","offers":[{"title":"20-30cm","offer_id":56352048546132,"sku":"CHIROCAR","price":19.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1033\/6354\/3380\/files\/IMG_7361.heic?v=1783905749","url":"https:\/\/tropicalplantnursery.co.uk\/products\/rocoto-arequipa-capsicum-pubescens-2l-pot","provider":"Tropical Plant Nursery","version":"1.0","type":"link"}