Description
Chilli Name : ROCOTO MONTUFAR (PI 585273)
Chilli Species : Pubescens
Chilli Origin : Ecuador
Chilli Heat : Very Hot (100,000–200,000 SHU)
Rocoto Montufar (PI 585273) is a heritage Capsicum pubescens variety originating from the highlands of Ecuador, collected and catalogued by the USDA as part of the global genetic resource network. This classic mountain chilli carries the distinctive pubescens traits — hairy foliage, black seeds, and thick juicy pods — while offering reliable yield and strong heat under cooler conditions.
Pods are apple-shaped and thick-walled, around 5–6 cm in size, ripening from green to vivid red. The flavour is fruity, crisp, and slightly sweet, followed by a clean, sharp burn typically measured between 100,000–200,000 SHU. When cooked, it develops a rich, almost tomato-like depth, making it perfect for stews, sauces, and traditional Andean recipes.
Plants are tall, woody, and long-lived, reaching 1.5–2 metres in height with broad, hairy leaves. Like most pubescens, Rocoto Montufar thrives in cooler mountain or temperate climates, producing best when daytime temperatures stay below 28 °C. It’s a hardy, overwinterable perennial when protected from frost.
Seeds germinate slowly at 24–28 °C, often taking 21–30 days due to the hard seed coat. Plants mature in 120–140 days, fruiting well into late autumn and year after year under protection.
