[CH] Rocoto report
Roger Shezall (rshezall@netcomuk.co.uk)
Tue, 20 Jul 1999 16:53:38 +0100
I continue to be amazed at these plants. They are in pots in a
polytunnel and are now nearly as tall as me. Apart from the occasional
over-ambitious serrano, these are the biggest plants I have ever had.
(Hey, this is England). BUT they do need lots of TLC.
Two of the plants are in a separate area and I've left nature to do the
business re pollination. The other plants are ministered to by me on a
daily basis with a small paintbrush (the sort you would use to paint a
picture - not your ceiling). Result, no fruit set at all on the former,
plenty of fruit on the latter. Currently the size, shape and colour of a
large pea.
I see the latest issue of Pepperjoe's e-zine lists Rocotos among the
worst performers, being hard to grow, late and a poor producer.
I can't fault the growth, but if you want fruit you certainly have to
work at it. The glorious big leaves have also been attacked by something
which leaves scores of small round holes, like pinpricks. Close
inspection revealed a tiny looping grub which seems to come out at night
for a good feed, then lie up during the day. Cunningly, they lie along
the leaf mid-rib making detection very difficult.
I have no idea what these pests are, but they don't seem to be
interested in any of my other varieties. Thankfully!
Thanks to Cameron, this is becoming a most interesting exercise and I'm
looking forward to picking the ripe crop - however late it may or may
not be.
Roger
whose daily routine now begins with brushing, searching and squishing...