Chilli Pepper Rocoto Red, also known as Manzano. A very hot pepper which measures 3.5-5cm long and 2.5-3cm wide, and often resembles a miniature bell pepper. Peppers have distinctive black seeds. Mature from green to red.
Chilli seeds are sown early in the year, and grown in a poly-tunnel, greenhouse or sunny windowsill. Germinatation takes 10-14 days but can take longer a week or two longer if the gods are not with you! Use a soil based seedand potting-on compost. Good drainage is essential. Warmth is the key to good germination, ideally over 25°, but will germinate above 21°.
SOW: Ideally sow February through March (can be sown later). Can be treated as a perennial.
WHERE TO SOW:
In a small pot, sow several seeds in 5mm drills. When most of the seeds have germinated transfer into a individual larger pots. Once the plant as 5 true leaves either plant in the groud (Poly-tunnel) or in its own 20cm pot. Be careful not to allow temperatures above 35° and try not to let the plant get too dry (avoids blossom-drop and pod-drop.).