[CH] Manzano/rocoto - gotta love them

Dale Freeman (dalefreeman@netspace.net.au)
Sat, 12 Aug 2006 19:05:35 +1000

On the issue of longevity, I've had a red manzano going for about 9 
years now, but I think it's on it's last legs now.  Luckily I'm coming 
into the growing season so the new ones should be poking their little 
leaves up in the next month or so.  At its peak I could pick friut off 
it for near all the year and would get about 20 litres (4 gallons of 
fruit) off it a year.  Reached about 3 meters (10 ft)  height when at 
it's prime (about 2 years ago) on a trellis on a wall. The fact that 
they can take a frost without too much damage and don't seem to get 
aphids like the others (hairy leaves help?) make them simple to grow.   
I'm also growing the  orange  variety which is pretty good and tried the 
yellow one which wasn't  as hardy or tasty. 

Still my favourite pod by far.  Pickled, smoked or just in a curry - 
teriffic.

Cheers from the south of Oz

Dale at 42 south