Rocoto Yellow
Capsicum pubescens — 100,000–200,000 SHU
Rocoto Yellow is the golden variant of the Andean apple pepper — thick-walled, apple-shaped fruits with the distinctive black seeds of all Capsicum pubescens varieties. Slightly sweeter than the red form, with the same love of cool conditions that makes all Rocotos uniquely suited to UK outdoor growing. A remarkable pepper that defies the usual rule that hot peppers need tropical heat.
🔥 Heat Scale
🌱 How to Grow Rocoto Yellow
The only hot pepper that loves cool weather. Outdoor UK growing suits it perfectly — tolerates partial shade and temperatures that would kill Habanero or Cayenne.
Prefers 12–20°C — do NOT put in a warm greenhouse in summer. Above 30°C, it drops all flowers. Keep outdoors through the UK summer season.
More tolerant of moist conditions than most peppers — its Andean mountain habitat is cool and humid. Consistent watering produces the best thick-walled fruits.
20–25L pot minimum, or plant directly in the ground. A long-lived perennial shrub — give it permanent space if possible.
Monthly balanced feed throughout the growing season. Less demanding than tropical peppers — doesn't need heavy weekly potassium feed.
Essential — Rocoto is a slow-growing perennial that fruits better in years two and three. Bring indoors (cool windowsill, not a warm room) and it will regrow strongly.
🩺 Common Problems
Cause: Temperatures above 28–30°C cause flower abortion — the opposite problem to most peppers
Fix: Move to shade during UK heatwaves. Do NOT use a greenhouse in summer — this is the most common Rocoto mistake.
Cause: Capsicum pubescens is the slowest-germinating major pepper species — 4–8 weeks is normal
Fix: Sow December/January with heat mat at 28°C, perlite mix. Do not discard after 3–4 weeks — patience is essential.
Cause: 120–150 days from transplant — the longest of any common pepper variety
Fix: Start early, overwinter, and expect the main harvest from year-two plants
Cause: Black seeds are a defining characteristic of all Capsicum pubescens varieties — not a defect
Fix: Not a disease or sign of decay — black seeds are unique to and normal for the Pubescens family
❓ Common Questions
How is Yellow different from Red Rocoto?
Same species and cool-weather preference — only the fruit colour differs. Yellow is slightly sweeter with a more fruity character. Same black seeds, same thick walls.
Does it really prefer cool weather?
Yes — all Capsicum pubescens thrives in cool conditions native to the Andes at altitude. Above 30°C, it drops all flowers. UK cool summers suit it well.
What does it taste like?
Fruity, slightly sweet, and rich. The thick walls moderate the initial heat impact. 100,000–200,000 SHU but feels less aggressive than thin-walled peppers at similar heat levels.
How long does it take?
120–150 days from transplant — the longest of any common pepper. Start seeds in December/January and overwinter for far better year-two harvests.
