Re: [CH]V6 #115 Rocotto outside and inside
Cameron Begg (begg.4@osu.edu)
Mon, 03 Jan 2000 08:48:16 -0500
Hi C-H's,
Dan McWilliams asked:
> > This next year I am thinking about growing Rocottos. I live in SW
> > Wisconsin. From what I have heard they are long season peppers and hard to
> > get to set fruits. Could someone who has experience with Rocottos give me
> > some suggestions for growing and pollinating these please. I wouldn't mind
> > growing them in large pots and overwintering them indoors if the rewards
>are worth the effort. TIA.
The rewards are certainly worth the effort. These plants are native
to the Andes where they are grown at considerable altitudes, but they
will grow just fine in SW Wis. in partial sun. In the shade of a tree
which will shield them from the intense midday heat is a good
location. They often need a full growing season to become
established. Maybe it is because they have to have a mature root
system before fruiting abundantly.
Lack of fruit set is almost certainly a pollination problem. Many
insects are attracted by the pretty purple flowers, but in my
experience wasps are especially so.
http://www.mse.eng.ohio-state.edu/~begg/ (Click on the chile.)
A location close to where there are active wasps would thus be an
advantage. I believe that Brent Thompson also reports ants
pollinating his rocotos on the Western side of the US.
I don't know which wasps you have in SW Wis. but check:
http://ohioline.ag.ohio-state.edu/hyg-fact/2000/2077.html
I would expect that bees would also do the trick if you happen to
know a beekeeper.
At other times you can pollinate the flowers yourself using a fine
artists brush, Q-tip or even the end of your smallest finger. You
must persist in doing this every day to be successful because the
timing is critical.
C. pubescens are not at all difficult to grow. Very dilute tomato
fertilizer works fine.
Good luck.
---
Regards, Cameron.