This
is subtropical perennial (but can be grown as annual) shrub 0,3-3 m
(= 1-10 ft) tall - a hybrid of rare cultivated chili Rocoto (Capsicum
pubescens) and wild Ulupica pepper (C.
cardenasii) (the connection of common
names “Rocoto” and “Ulupica” gave their hybrid the name
“Rocopica”). It is sometimes also called by synonim name:
Capsicum cardenasii var.
pendulum.
This is (semi-) evergreen shrub about 1 m = 3 ft tall within 2 years
if grown in medium size pot, which creates purple flowers and hot,
juicy, fleshy and aromatic, bright red fruits about 1-2cm (0,4-0,8
inch) diameter. Seeds are brown-black or pale brown (I have 2 plants:
one with fruits about 2 cm = 0,8 inch diameter and pale brown seeds
and the second with smaller – about 1 cm = 0,4 inch - fruits and
brown-black seeds). To germination the seeds need soaking in GA3
(2000ppm by 24 h) + chamomile tea and next sowing surface in light
moist soil in warm place. Instead of chamomile you can cover the
seeds by chemical fungicide before sowing. The seeds germinate slowly
and erratic. Plant is probably self-infertile (to creating fruits
there are necessary at least 2 genetically various plants). Although
this is perennial tree it is very difficult to wintering even inside
in my cold temperate zone. I am keeping my plants on sunny (west
side) window sill in warm, but plants usually gradually deteriorate
during winter and the shoots need to be cutted back (to less than
half their length) in mid winter to they become heavier and could
re-sprout.
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The unripe fruits |
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and ripe ones
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Cutted fruit |
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Fruits with removed seeds |
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I am looking for wild South American species of Chilies. If you live there and could harvest the seeds please write to me.
Are you interested in selling some of your hybrids seeds? I would love to grow some and see how they turn out.
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