Alberto's Rocoto, winter growing/under lights

[jayb]

I started a germination test in mid-October and ended up putting a seedling under grow lights, (also a couple on a windowsill). I'm pleased with progress so far, the plant is still quite small (thankfully) and flowering. The first couple of buds yellowed and fell, but the remaining flowers look to be stronger. I potted it on at the weekend into a 2 litre pot from a 9cm pot. I'm hoping it wasn't too big a shock as the compost was cold and I did it outside!

11th November


5th December



20th December



13th January


Hoping for some early chillies (fingers crossed the flowers don't keep dropping)

[jayb]

This gives a better idea of plant size, I'm used to them being huge summertime so I'm hoping spring arrives in time.

[Galina]

I know what you mean. Mine last time overwintered in the greenhouse and ended up touching the ceiling the second year. But the peppers were oh so good. Hot, but so different from normal chilis. I had a large bag in the freezer, nicely halved and deseeded, well over a pound but alas long since eaten. Half is definitely enough for a dish for us. Must have the seeds somewhere in the freezer.

Aren't those flowers pretty? and those hairy leaves are quite different too.

[jayb]

Yes, I just love the leaves and flowers too, so pretty. Same here, none left to eat. I have seeds from 2016 (or hopefully fresh in the summer) if you need any or a little seedling ready if you would like one now to chat with?

[Galina]

I appreciate the offer but I will be lucky if I get the Purple Tiger and Serrano Tampiqueno plants through winter this year on layers of capillary matting on sunny window sills due to lack of conservatory. I know for sure there are Alberto Locoto seeds in the freezer, just a matter of having the time to start them and I would not want a plant if it is at risk from not being sufficiently cared for due to changes here. Thank you though very much. As these are reliable short lived perennials rather than annuals, it is entirely possible to start them fairly late in the year, so they are not too tall to overwinter, but they will still thrive and produce well in their second year. I have a new rocoto from Real Seeds (Chocolate Locoto), which I plan to grow in this way.

[jayb]

Ok. Glad you have some sunny windowsills and hope it goes well for them.
Ooow snap, Chocolate here too!
For this year I've got some old seed of an orange one I hope to get started, I think it's one I shared with A4A seed circle a few years back. Love Rocotos, they are just so forgiving and willing, plus gorgeous hairy leaves. Now if I could find one not so blisteringly hot I'd be in heaven.
Look Forward to hearing about the Chocolate one's progress.

[jayb]

Coming along slowly, I spotted these hidden underneath the foliage.

[clumsy]

Love the colour of the flowers been a while since I've grown any rocoto chilli.

[jayb]

I've gone overboard with sowing some different rocoto varieties this year. Your right the flower colour is lovely.

[Jang]

And the furry leaves and stems, and the little bulbous fruit forming. In fact the whole thing is lovely ......!

[jayb]

Forgot to say first red fruits have been picked, small but beautiful.

[Jang]

Wow. Ripe chillis in April. Enjoy! Have you got a dish in mind to make the most of it?

[Jang]

Wow. Ripe chillis in April. Enjoy! Have you got a dish in mind to make the most of it?

[clumsy]

That is early great going.